BLI N-Scale Announcements

[reinhardtjh]

BLI Just posted on FaceBook a new run of the Reading T1.  Target date according to their "Delivery Schedule" page is November 2026.  Looking at the paint schemes offered it makes sense since there is a holiday theme for both sound and stealth which they will want to arrive for Christmas (or before).  It seems to be a limited run in that it's six schemes in both sound and stealth that look to be probably the most popular ones - Chessie Steam Special, AFT #1, RBMN modern and two Reading in-service.  Neither of the in-service road #'s are a duplicate.

With previous announcements that makes 6 N-Scale steam locos promised for Fall 2026.  All but one are re-runs with the 2-8-0 Consolidation being the new one of the bunch.  Being repeated are the USRA Light and Heavy Mikado, USRA Light and Heavy Pacific and then the Reading T1.  It will be interesting to see which, if any, hit the deadlines.  Also on the schedule for June 2026 is the ATSF Northern.

In addition, there are a number of N-Scale diesels scheduled as well - EMD E7/E8/E9 are on the list for Fall 2026 with the Baldwin BF-16 Sharks still listed as "Spring 2026" and EMD SD70ACe for "Summer 2026"

[mu26aeh]

Hell, we still have multiple skus of the last run sitting on the shelf

[Dave V]

Although I'm bummed that there's no new PRR steam, I do like a Reading T1! I guess I'd missed the first run because I was busy with HOn3.

I still don't understand why they haven't done the PRR I1sa 2-10-0, when they already make the appropriate tender in N scale with the M1a/b. Plus, no new engineering required for the sound system; we already know it fits in the 210F75 tender.

When I saw BLI at the Rocky Mountain Train Show last year they hinted they might eventually do the PRR PB70 combine and Z74 business car in N.

But I would do nasty, immoral things for a Pennsy I1sa in N...or two. My hoppers really need a Hippo to pull them, not a Mountain.

In 1956 the PRR did lease locomotives from the Santa Fe and the Reading during a power crunch, and that includes T1s. So not irrelevant to me.

[mike_lawyer]

Dave, totally agree on needing an I1sa in N scale.  The time has come, and I need about 10 of them!

[Chris333]

I wanna try a 2-8-0, but Fall 2026    Ain't nobody got time for that.

Might be cool to make a 3D body for it...

[robertjohndavis]

Been hoping for the PRR 2-8-0 that chassis was made for. I’m for at least 3. The generic 2-8-0 is neat, but not neat enough to outweigh other purchases.

[reinhardtjh]

Been hoping for the PRR 2-8-0 that chassis was made for. I’m for at least 3. The generic 2-8-0 is neat, but not neat enough to outweigh other purchases.

When asked, BLI said a PRR H10 would follow if the sales of the generic 2-8-0 warranted it.  Which sounded like a cop out because the audience for either does not intersect very much.  Plus Bachmann has one that's been pretty well received and is usually of good quality.  But hopefully BLI's will sell.  I pre-ordered 3 because the mech is a good approximation of the C&O G-7 class 2-8-0 so they wouldn't be a total waste.

[propmeup1]

I been on the campaign trail with BLI about another run of Reading T1's and here they come. Just three in service isn't enough for me and they are doing different numbers this run.   I also suggested several PRR steam and to keep the PRR guys honest I threw in a NYC Niagara.  Come on, we had a brass one that can hardly get out of it's own way and pulls maybe ten cars on flat.   I would love a Q2.  BLI told me much is in the works but it's classified and we all can appreciate that. Hang tight guys and gals.

[Pizzaparty]

I’ll purchase the T1 for my S1 shell sitting on my bench, then they will announce some pennsy stuff

[Jimbo]

I’ll purchase the T1 for my S1 shell sitting on my bench, then they will announce some pennsy stuff

Are you thinking PRR T1 (4-4-4-4) vs. Reading T1 (4-8-4)?  Or, are you planning to use a Reading T1 to model a (non-Pennsy) S1?

(Since BLI seems to like doing T1 locos, maybe they’re planning a C&O T1?  Please???)

Jim

[garethashenden]

(Since BLI seems to like doing T1 locos, maybe they’re planning a C&O T1?  Please???)

Jim

And the B&M T1. They did them in HO...

[Dave V]

Got this in my email. I had to order one. It's not correct for the LIRR (they used Pennsy steam, primarily H-class 2-8-0s and G5 4-6-0s) but it looks neat, and if it helps get the BLI PRR H10sb made someday by showing a demand signal, I did my part.

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[crrcoal]

Gonna keep it LIRR or reletter?

[peteski]

I would say something about the solid disk "spoke" drivers which make it look like Hallmark tree ornament, but it won't make a difference. Too bad some manufacturers of N scale stem still don't get it.

[robertjohndavis]

Got this in my email. I had to order one. It's not correct for the LIRR (they used Pennsy steam, primarily H-class 2-8-0s and G5 4-6-0s) but it looks neat, and if it helps get the BLI PRR H10sb made someday by showing a demand signal, I did my part.

(Attachment Link)

BLI expecting us to buy pancake-wheel foobies to prove the desire for prototype models is an “interesting” strategy.