BLI SD40-2 s in at MBK

[unittrain]

The BLI SD 40-2 s have arrived, but the Chessies are already sold out, I got an IM Conrail and Chessie but was going to check this one out. Anybody got one in hand yet? Also wondering whether to wait and see if Scale Trains will be doing the SD40-2.

[Jbub]

The BLI SD 40-2 s have arrived,[ but the Chessies are already sold out, I got an IM Conrail and Chessie but was going to check this one out. Anybody got one in hand yet? Also wondering whether to wait and see if Scale Trains will be doing the SD40-2.

I think Lee bought and burned them

[nscaler711]

i was going to buy one till i saw that BLI added ditchlights to the Santa Fe version (yay!) but forgot to do any of the post '85 rebuild stuff... 
looks like Kato is the only one to have post rebuld 40-2s that are mostly correct... and i sold them all when i had to repair my car... 

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I think the only scheme that is prototypical for the phase produced is the two BN units.

Anyone compare these against the IM units yet?

[Mark5]

Anyone compare these against the IM units yet?

I haven't had time to do much, but here's a quickie:
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Mark

[unittrain]

That gap between the IM units trucks and the frame stands out even more now  , the molded on grabs of the BLI unit are so so. I don't know I'd still like to see a Scale Trains version too, will have to wait as more data rolls in on the BLI units. I passed on the F7s but may buy those after the shell is fixed on the next release.

[jagged ben]

I haven't had time to do much, but here's a quickie:
(Attachment Link)

Mark

I thought the IM coupler was already a smidge too high.  What does that BLI coupler look like next to a gauge?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

That coupler looks WAY off. But I like the detail of the engine. I may have to get a BN version.

[Mark5]

That coupler looks WAY off.

I thought the IM coupler was already a smidge too high.  What does that BLI coupler look like next to a gauge?

Here ya go:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Mark

[Mark5]

A view of the bottom:

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Mark

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Interesting. I don't think I have seen an etched speaker grid before. Mark, do you like the sound better than the IM unit?

Also, what do you plan on painting it into?

[Mark5]

Interesting. I don't think I have seen an etched speaker grid before. Mark, do you like the sound better than the IM unit?

Also, what do you plan on painting it into?

I haven'd had a chance to compare the sound, though my gut reaction is that the ESU is better. When I get some time I will compare.

I got two undecs - one will be for the first order of N&W SD40-2s (High Nose) - the second I will paint for the first N&W low nose order built July 1974.

The ditch lights are a separate housing, so not putting them on the undecs will be simple. The cab interior lights when on resemble a poltergeist scene, so will need to tone that down a bit. 

I think I'll dump all of my other SD40-2s (Kato, IM) ... then I just gotta wait for someone to make a good later phase SD40-2.

Mark

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It really breaks my heart that they didn't pay any attention to phases on these.

[rrjim1]

I purchased a NS loco, really runs and sounds great. Kind of a tossup IMO between ESU and the BLI sound decoders. I really like the way the BLI decoder notches up the prime mover under heavy load and decreases it under light load.   

[Mark5]

I purchased a NS loco, really runs and sounds great. Kind of a tossup IMO between ESU and the BLI sound decoders. I really like the way the BLI decoder notches up the prime mover under heavy load and decreases it under light load.

Had a chance to test run these last night and compare to the IM SD40-2 in terms of running - I'd have to say out of the box I like the BLI sound better. I haven't looked into adjusting settings yet to see if there's a Leslie 5 horn in the mix.

Mark