Factory Direct Trains; BLI PAs BOGO

[Cajonpassfan]

The cab steps do look like turds. But the ride height? BLI has obvious quality control issues and with the decoder and wiring stuffed in there, the shells have a tendency to sit too high and need to be properly seated. In a flat on side view, the BLI also has more air above its trucks. Other details are also different between the Kato and BLI. See below, Kato on the left, BLI on the right.
Otto

[peteski]

The trucks also look less "meaty" (of that is the right word). They do look too small.  I like Chris' Life-Like one the best fo them all.

[Chris333]

Soooo I paid $137 for these and just sold them on ebay for $183 ($89 for one, $94 the other)

There were others on ebay for $197 each though 


Pretty sure I lost a few bucks on the Bachmann Berkshire.

[R L Smith]

There must have been serious QC issues with the most recent run, as the unit I bought a couple of years ago is fine - no assembly issues with the screens or ride height.  Kato on the left, BLI on the right.




Ron

[Chris333]

I haven't had a Kato, but I bought Kato shells for their pilots. The Kato shell looks nice. I have no idea why mine seemed high. I could have maybe fixed the grills. The BLI paint looks a little thick and I've read there is basically no way to strip their paint. Right now I'm happy. If it wasn't for that darn paypal balance I wouldn't have even bought them.

[up1950s]

There must have been serious QC issues with the most recent run, as the unit I bought a couple of years ago is fine - no assembly issues with the screens or ride height.  Kato on the left, BLI on the right.




Ron

Pretty good color match .

[R L Smith]

If it wasn't for that darn paypal balance I wouldn't have even bought them.

I know what you mean - it makes it too easy sometimes.

[peteski]

There must have been serious QC issues with the most recent run, as the unit I bought a couple of years ago is fine - no assembly issues with the screens or ride height.  Kato on the left, BLI on the right.


Ron

Looks like compared to both Kato and Life-Like the BLI trucks seem skinny - like they are lightweight trucks (if there is such a thing).