A sample of the Rapido HO General Electric C30-7 diesel locomotive recently arrived at our offices. In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares a brief history of the six-axle road unit and Union Pacific 2415; highlights the various factory-applied detail parts; and demonstrates some of the sound and light effects on our sample, which features an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder. The video concludes with the General Electric diesel switching cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch layout.
In addition to Union Pacific (as-delivered Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray), the Rapido HO General Electric C30-7 diesel locomotive is decorated for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (blue-and-yellow warbonnet); Burlington Northern (Cascade Green and black); Conrail (blue with “can opener” herald); CSX (yellow, blue, and gray [YN2]); National Railways of Mexico (orange, green, and yellow); Norfolk & Western (black and white); and Norfolk Southern (black and white). Four road numbers are offered per paint scheme.
The C30-7 has a five-pole motor with dual flywheels and a heavy, die-cast metal weight. Other product features include low or high headlights and Adirondack or Rockwell trucks as appropriate, traction motor casing detail, underbody piping and conduit, metal side handrails with plastic stanchions, and factory-installed and painted wire grab irons. In addition to working headlights, the model has illuminated rooftop beacons and class lights where applicable.
Direct-current models are priced at $239.95, and versions with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder sell for $349.95.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
