Important DC Advisory
Do NOT use cheaper "train-set"-type controllers with any of your Rapido locomotives. Several models of controller are notorious for voltage spikes and they WILL destroy your locomotive. There is no “if” about it. We will try to help you if we have the parts, but we are not responsible for locomotive damage due to voltage spikes in your power supply. As well, we will not repair any Rapido locomotive damaged by any "train-set"-type DC controller unless you have retired the controller. Otherwise the damage will likely reoccur. “Train-set”-type DC controllers should not be used with any modern model locomotives.
General Problems and Inquiries
If your model arrives with damage or there is any other issue, the best thing to do is to call our support team. They take care of all of our warranty repairs and they are all swell guys. The toll-free number is 1-855-LRC-6917 (1-855-572-6917) (outside North America, + 1 905-474-3314 or 905-474-3324). You can also email us – click here.
DCC Decoder Installation
Our DC RDCs are DCC-ready and come equipped with a 21-MTC plug for easy DCC decoder installation.
Function Issues on Digitrax Systems
If you operate with a Digitrax DCC system and your DCC loco does not seem to be responding as it should, please try the fix described below before contacting us. It may save you some time and aggravation!
Apparently, some Digitrax systems store the address of every single loco that they've ever used on them, and regardless of whether the loco was dispatched or not. Once this memory fills up, any new locos that attempt to be used by that system exhibit very unusual behavior including non-working functions and odd responses.
The solution to this is easy. All you need to do is clear the memory in your system. This is done by clearing slot #36, see the instructions below. Once you've done this, you'll likely find that your loco operates exactly as you expected it should.
General Instructions for Closing Command Station Option Switches (for specific instructions for your command station and throttle, see the instruction manual for your equipment):
- On the command station, set the MODE toggle switch to the OP (center) position.
- Using your throttle go into Switch Mode
- Enter the Option Switch number you wish to change (in this case 36).
- Press the “c” key on the throttle.
- You will hear a beep.
- On the command station move the MODE toggle down to SLEEP then back up to RUN.
- Using your throttle, turn Track Status back on.
For more information, see this page from Digitrax’s web site.
FP7A Parts Diagram
FP9A Parts Diagram
To view the files, you will need Adobe Reader. Click below to get it. 
GMDD FP7A & FP9A ESU Non-sound LokPilot File
Click here to download the LokPilot V4.0 DCC file.
Click here to download the LokPilot V5.0 DCC file.
Faulty Ditch Lights
All of our FP9As come equipped with ditch lights either factory-installed on the model or as optional detail parts. In DC, the ditch lights should function automatically, while in DCC they are activated by pressing F6 on your DCC controller. We are aware of a number of models which were manufactured with internal light boards which did not have LEDs fitted for the ditch lights. If the ditch lights on your unit do not illuminate, please contact us and we will provide you with the necessary parts or help to get your locomotive’s lighting working as it should.
