Any further reports about BLI N scale F'3 &7's?

[Paradise275]

Just checking to see if there are any reports about the Broadway Limited's new F's & F7's?

Rick

[cgw]

Several weeks/months ago I had some issues with the paragon 3 equipped f3/f7 and e7  .     After a lot of tinkering and investigating on what could be the issue, the issue was localized to the booster section of the command stations that I was using.    After replacing two resistors in the booster section of the command station the problem has simply vanished.   The Broadway Limited  locos have had about 140+ hours of run time and they are absolutely excellent runners.     Have had them on several layouts and n-track, T-track setups and did not encounter any problems.     They are some of the better running engines in the stable right now!     The only bitch is the grill detail is wrong  but if your not a rivet counter they look good at the 3 foot rule.    The only thing I am going to modify is the weight of the engines by using some tungsten putty.    They are a little on the light side cannot pull as much as an old early Kato set that I have. 

[Maletrain]

I checked and "Spookshow" is still showing these as an "F".  Has anything been done to change that opinion?  I can't really tell if Mark and some others got some "lemons" that indicate a QC issue, or if there is really a design issue that will eventually "get" everybody who owns one and operates it long enough.

[cgw]

I initially had a very negative experience but found over time that units are not at fault.    The root cause was a completely different issue.     I've only had one BLI unit go rouge on me.    A Baldwin centipede  loco.   The decoder picked a pint and it let the smoke out of the motor circuit transistors.  BLI service was top notch and sent out a new decoder for a replacement fee.   Lesson learned  pay attention to running the loco and no walkway for a period of time letting the engine to roast on the tracks.

[spookshow]

I plan on taking a second look at them, but probably not until there's a second run. I'm 0-for-2 so far.

-Mark

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I think until they fix the gear issue, it's probably best to avoid them unless you are comfortable taking a knife to the gear tower of a $200 engine.

[mighalpern]

I have 3 sets and 1 is going back for warranty work. ( their tech guys were helpful in troubleshooting, but its something not obvious )  That engine just stutters like crazy, would not run  more than 2-3 inches,
 but the other 2 sets run great, very nice slow speed.  Not great pullers 9 or 10   80' passenger cars( concor sets ) , but good enough for me
 

[Cajonpassfan]

There's a seven page thread on the BLI F3/F7's from earlier this year. If I knew how to link, I'd provide one.
Or better, combine the threads?
Otto K.

[GaryHinshaw]

I'm guessing that you mean this thread, Otto. 

(I also changed BWL >> BLI in the title of this thread.)

[CodyO]

After adding an OZ of tungsten putty they can kinda pull. Bit for such highly detailed models the pulling power isnt as good as the IM or Kato Fs.