BLI RSD15 & PRR P5a

[ncbqguy]

The “Low Friction” design does involve more precision. 
With the hole plate the pickup can float in a relatively broad range of positions between the wheel edge and the inside face of the truck frame. The axle just needs to pocket loosely into the truck frame so the plate can’t go off the end.
The “Low Friction” requires the axles be pointed to tight length and shape tolerances and the plates forming the bearings also have to be held in the side frame so the wheel sets roll freely.
But it is a huge difference in pickup performance both initially and long term, especially where sound will drop with the slightest interruption in continuity.  The grade of materials used also makes a big difference...one manufacturer’s key to a legendary reputation.
Charlie Vlk

[jargonlet]

So if the pickup problem is from holes in place of cups, wouldn’t changing them to cups fix the problem? Any chance the ones from kato would work? Would a kato truck swap be possible?

[dem34]

So if the pickup problem is from holes in place of cups, wouldn’t changing them to cups fix the problem? Any chance the ones from kato would work? Would a kato truck swap be possible?

Considering the Centipede has a fairly unique wheel arrangement trying to hack together what I presume would be GG1 parts may be more effort than its worth. Probably to the point scratch building a new set of trucks would be simpler.

[thomasjmdavis]

So if the pickup problem is from holes in place of cups, wouldn’t changing them to cups fix the problem? Any chance the ones from kato would work? Would a kato truck swap be possible?

To my mind, it would be easier to buy a sound equipped Kato in the first place, if truck pick-up is the issue.

Really, we should not have to retro-fit $250 locomotives to bring them up to the industry standard that has been in use for 25 years or more.

That said, on the Centipede, were they forced to go with a sloppier axle mounting in order to get the thing to travel around some arbitrary minimum radius with as many axles as it has?

[Frank Amato]

Really, we should not have to retro-fit $250 locomotives to bring them up to the industry standard that has been in use for 25 years or more.

Hell yes, brother!

  Frank

[dem34]

To my mind, it would be easier to buy a sound equipped Kato in the first place, if truck pick-up is the issue.

Really, we should not have to retro-fit $250 locomotives to bring them up to the industry standard that has been in use for 25 years or more.

That said, on the Centipede, were they forced to go with a sloppier axle mounting in order to get the thing to travel around some arbitrary minimum radius with as many axles as it has?

As dumb as it is, before I sold it the Centipede ran MUCH better on my Micro Layout with 8.75" curves  than it did on on my main Layout with 11.25" curves. Which I presume was due to the tight curves pressing the axles more firmly into the holes. But building the things for that extreme range of motion is kinda bonkers.

[Mark5]

Charlie posed a question:

They had the pointed axle/cup pickups....did BLI revert to the hole in the pickup plate blunt axle that the factory likes because it is easier to build?  That pickup scheme causes problems.
Charlie Vlk

I've seen a lot of indignation but little info.

I'll have to look at my latest BLI diesels to see what they are actually doing currently. 

[greenwizard88]

Looks like the page is up.


https://www.broadway-limited.com/prrp5aboxcab.aspx

Msrp $369, street will probably be $300. They'll handle a 9" radius, which I thought was cool.

[w neal]

Sure we can have these, but no Milw boxcabs. Dag nab it.

[Missaberoad]

Sure we can have these, but no Milw boxcabs. Dag nab it.

Or a Little Joe... Need some Milwaukee love...

[Altoona]

What online dealer is taking preorders on these engines?

Judd Barton

[pjm20]

http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms/cat/N%20Locomotives%20Broadway%20Ltd--Broadway%20Ltd/5

[MK]

https://factorydirecthobbies.com/search?type=product&q=Bli+Prr+p5a

[reinhardtjh]

Here's a somewhat more specific link for the P5a at Factory Direct Hobbies.

Broadway Limited P5a

Only 4 months away if on time, Neither Toy Train Heaven nor FDH would be my first choice for pre-orders.  Others are usually cheaper.  I might wait until I see what HOGTrainz posts or Fifer (though if I get one I'll probably order through my old LHS DCC Train in Cincinnati).

[Snark45]

B-L P-5A has now appeared on N-scale Supply for pre-order...

Regards, Harry