MikeOwnby
Active Member
So Rapido advertises that their FL9 comes with a dual-mode DC/DCC decoder, or you can step it up and order the sound version which is DCC only. Then they ship all these FL9's out with DC-only boards and a coupon that (if you're lucky enough to find it buried in the bottom of the box), can theoretically deliver a DCC decoder to you in three weeks or so.
This is a fairly transparent attempt to save a few bucks on decoders by making those who actually want them (and again, even manage to find the f*%&ing coupon) send in for them and install them. Considering the price of these locos, that is just absolutely ridiculous. Paying a premium price to have them play this ridiculous BS is just beyond the beyond. This is the first Rapido loco I've ordered, and it'll likely be the last since I'm not real crazy about people who do business this way. Being in N-scale, I haven't had much reason to buy their products, but is this the way they've always been? Ripping off and inconveniencing customers to save a few dollars here and there even when they're charging premium prices?
At this point, I can't imagine Rapido will ever put out a product I need enough to do business with them again. I wish I could return this one. I suppose it's too much to hope for that they'll go bankrupt due to their unscrupulous business practices.
This is a fairly transparent attempt to save a few bucks on decoders by making those who actually want them (and again, even manage to find the f*%&ing coupon) send in for them and install them. Considering the price of these locos, that is just absolutely ridiculous. Paying a premium price to have them play this ridiculous BS is just beyond the beyond. This is the first Rapido loco I've ordered, and it'll likely be the last since I'm not real crazy about people who do business this way. Being in N-scale, I haven't had much reason to buy their products, but is this the way they've always been? Ripping off and inconveniencing customers to save a few dollars here and there even when they're charging premium prices?
At this point, I can't imagine Rapido will ever put out a product I need enough to do business with them again. I wish I could return this one. I suppose it's too much to hope for that they'll go bankrupt due to their unscrupulous business practices.