The Newest Addition: Rapido GMD-1 #1118 Engine
By Ty’s Model Railroad - 5/20/2015 10:58:00 AM
I finally got to test my newest locomotive: the USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 by
Broadway Limited. This model is Canadian National road number 3725 and
features the factory integrated Paragon2 DC/DCC dual mode decoder. This is a
big advantage for me, being that my layout is a DC layout and I can finally
enjoy the benefits of DCC sound, though quite limited on DC
tracks.
The model itself is beautifully detailed and has many separately applied
details such as ladders, handrails, whistle, brass bell and engineer and
fireman figures. Along with the locomotives 1lb weight, the 5-pole can motor
with skew wound armature ensures ultra-smooth operation right from
startup.
With a slow throttle increase from 0, the locomotive begins to produce the
same startup sounds it would make as it builds up steam pressure. With a bit
more throttle, the engine begins to slowly roll forward, all with
accompanying sound effects. As it begins to gain speed, the valve and piston
sounds increase accordingly. Slowing down the locomotive activates brake
sounds. The key here is SLOW throttle movement. This will produce the most
realistic operation under DC control.
Of course using a DCC system unlocks all the sounds and features which
include:
- Record and play operation
- 16-bit sample rate for exceptional sound
- Whistle, horn and bell sounds
- Johnson bar sound
- Ambient sounds for passenger station, freight yard, lumber yard, maintenance yard, and farm scenes.
- Grade crossing signal sounds
- Forward/reverse signal sounds
- Chuff sound that changes in intensity based on load size
- Individually adjustable sound effect volume
DC users can purchase the DCMaster by Broadway Limited to unlock the
horn/whistle and bell as well as adjust several other features. The DCMaster
works with all BlueLine, Paragon2 and Paragon 3 series engines. DCMaster is
not required for startup, brake and chuff sounds when using a DC
system.
For a sample of the Light Mikado in action on my layout, see the video
below. Note: I do not have a DCMaster system installed so the sound effects
shown are the limited defaults that active with a basic DC throttle.