BLI SD40-2

[peteski]

Please, tell us the reason. I can't guess it for myself.

You quoted me asking ek2000 questions.  He stated that I know those answers but do I?  I said "they are Kato" as that is what came to my mind. Is that the answer?  I don't know.

[ek2000]

Lookup the thread on Kato EMD E5 with loksound. There is a lot of good stuff in there by the folks who understand sound installations. Peteski has chimed in there too, 4 times to the count 😉

[peteski]

Lookup the thread on Kato EMD E5 with loksound. There is a lot of good stuff in there by the folks who understand sound installations. Peteski has chimed in there too, 4 times to the count 😉

That might be so, but you originally stated that BLI is just as good as (or even better than) ESU sounds decoders, then you went on saying that a single specific loco (Kato KOBO E5) with ESU decoder is the best?  I guess I was just confused.

Also, I have yet to meet anybody who regularely uses (or even remembers) all 28 functions of a decoder. Not to mention that on many throttles it is cumbersome to control functions above F9.  Most modelers use 4 or 5 sound functions at the most. So yes, it is nice to have all those bells and whistles, but they rarely get used. Coupler clank?  Station departure announcements?  Coal shoveling?  Yes, we might use those few times, but then the novelty wears out.

[jagged ben]

...

Also, I have yet to meet anybody who regularely uses (or even remembers) all 28 functions of a decoder. Not to mention that on many throttles it is cumbersome to control functions above F9.  Most modelers use 4 or 5 sound functions at the most. So yes, it is nice to have all those bells and whistles, but they rarely get used. Coupler clank?  Station departure announcements?  Coal shoveling?  Yes, we might use those few times, but then the novelty wears out.

For those who set up labeled buttons on the JMRI app, use of those features is probably a bit more likely.

[ek2000]

That might be so, but you originally stated that BLI is just as good as (or even better than) ESU sounds decoders, then you went on saying that a single specific loco (Kato KOBO E5) with ESU decoder is the best?  I guess I was just confused.

Also, I have yet to meet anybody who regularely uses (or even remembers) all 28 functions of a decoder. Not to mention that on many throttles it is cumbersome to control functions above F9.  Most modelers use 4 or 5 sound functions at the most. So yes, it is nice to have all those bells and whistles, but they rarely get used. Coupler clank?  Station departure announcements?  Coal shoveling?  Yes, we might use those few times, but then the novelty wears out.

I had stated that "BLI locos have very good sound and function features" not as a comparison with ESU but by itself. On the note of sound itself (regardless of decoders), I opined that the KOBO custom E5 was the best I have heard to date (the ALCO PA not being far off). That was in reference to IM SD 40-2s having good sound which was stated in a previous post (to which I agree).

As for the functions, I'd prefer to have 28 functions with some of them being used once in a while than not having them which means you cannot use them at all. IMO, BLI's  use of the functions is a step in the right direction in that regard. Whether they are all what I want is different, but at least they make the effort to have those. Atlas has a switching mode function that reduces the speed by half for use in yard operations which is cool when you do switching duties, it also has the 'clickety clack' sound that I like to use once in a while. Separately controlled number boards, ditch and mars lights are nice too.  The manual throttle functions are nice when you try to simulate up and downhill runs with heavy loads, so are the dynamic brakes (separate functions). I'd like to see break squeal sounds become more common, the independent brake function is nice and I'd like models to have the emergency brake sounds as well. I feel they all continue to add something to the enjoyment of something fundamental to the hobby - running trains.

[Albersala]

If I asked ek2000 why he considered KOBO custom E5 was the best sound decoder nowadays is because I really don't know the reason. I've never bought any KOBO custom sound loco since I've always thought they are too expensive for me (Kato KOBO prices are very high and since I live in Spain, I must add the shipping costs and the customs fees which make the final amount something crazy).
But if you had any especial reason to say they are worthwile the effort, I would consider buying one KOBO sound F unit taking for granted they have the same sound quality as the E5.

I think both Paragon3 and ESU decoders have nice sound quality.

One interesting Paragon3 decoders feature is the possibility of making the functions to work on the function buttons you want. That's very important if (as in my case) your DCC controller has less than 28 function keys.

[ek2000]

If I asked ek2000 why he considered KOBO custom E5 was the best sound decoder nowadays is because I really don't know the reason. I've never bought any KOBO custom sound loco since I've always thought they are too expensive for me (Kato KOBO prices are very high and since I live in Spain, I must add the shipping costs and the customs fees which make the final amount something crazy).
But if you had any especial reason to say they are worthwile the effort, I would consider buying one KOBO sound F unit taking for granted they have the same sound quality as the E5.

I think both Paragon3 and ESU decoders have nice sound quality.

The kobo custom E5 also uses an ESU Loksound decoder. Refer to the thread below which discusses details about speaker installation that could help explain the sound quality. I have 2 models from Kato/KOBO custom sound installed, the ALCO PA and EMD E5 and IMO, they are by far the best sounding models in my fleet.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=43008.msg545712#msg545712

[reinhardtjh]

Latest news from Broadway Limited.

Just posted on their Facebook page at 1:45PM EDT:

Well, we were hoping for a July arrival, but some last minute delays have pushed the arrival of this diesel powerhouse back a couple of weeks. We're disappointed, but we believe the end result is worth the wait! These are the finest N scale SD40-2s ever made.
There is no way words can describe the sound from our improved Paragon3 system! We developed the system for the SD40-2 from the ground up -- starting by purchasing competing diesel models with sound systems of all brands and noting their strengths and weaknesses. We then handcrafted our Paragon3 system's componentry and sound chambers for the SD40-2 to surpass all existing models -- by far. Add in the Rolling Thunder bass and you get an N scale experience that is truly amazing.
Thanks for reading all of this, but the proof is in seeing it all in person. Get to your favorite dealer today and ask for a demonstration!
Reservations accepted first come, first served.
http://www.broadway-limited.com/nscaleparagon3emdsd40-2.aspx

24 New Photos:

[Philip H]

And once again the iconic white ghosts of KCS get no love.

 

[jagged ben]

It got partly pointed out on the IM thread...

All the photos pretty much show models with ditchlights and class lights.

 

[James Costello]

24 New Photos

I'm having Spectrum flashbacks.

I'll keep waiting for ScaleTrains......

[Mark5]

All the photos pretty much show models with ditchlights and class lights.

  Well, I can forgive this if they accomplish what IM and Kato have failed to do. I will get an undec to play with (then I will have N SD40-2 models from 4 manufacturers!).

Mark

[squirrelhunter]

Mark 5, what have Kato and IM failed to do?

I'm of the view the IM units are better.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ugh. I just saw the CR pics.

They're pretty damned wrong. Wrong grills, wrong nose, wrong frame. Basically, I'm really glad IM did theirs because they are WAY better.

It bums me out. I really wanted to be able to support Broadway Limited with these, but there's too much that would require too much work to fix.

[lock4244]

They're pretty damned wrong. Wrong grills, wrong nose, wrong frame. Basically, I'm really glad IM did theirs because they are WAY better.

QFT... what a day