BLI or Overland?

[alstom]

I have a question. I've been hearing good remarks about Overland models and that they're very good quality. Are they as decent and detailed as BLI. Just curious[?][8D]

[orsonroy]

Overland's a brass importer, so in general, their models are EXTREMELY detailed; much more so that anything BLI has produced. Of course, you'll end up paying for all that quality (Overlands run well too), in the range of $1100+ for a new engine.

I own a couple of old, used Overlands and really like 'em. But my money goes into BLI and other plastic steam unless I need a signature engine. I'd rather save $800 on an engine and superdetail it myself!

[tstage]

Hey, fellas!

Did you check out the new addtion that BLI has on their web site. They are coming out with a limited run of a fully-painted, fully-detailed brass Great Northern S2 4-8-4. It's the initial locomotive of BLI's new "Museum Series". (Since they use the word "Series", I would expect we'll be seeing even more down the line.) Here's BLI's link: http://www.broadway-limited.com

Ray, after viewing the pics on BLI's web site, how would you rate it next to the Overland brass locomotives? I'll admit, it's drop dead gorgeous. But the price will definitely be keeping me from buying it anytime soon...

Tom

[alstom]

Wow, that thing really is a beauty. I definately would like to purchase one down the line and eventually treasure it. I always thought BLI's steamers were very good quality. Thanks for the reply.

Richard

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage
Ray, after viewing the pics on BLI's web site, how would you rate it next to the Overland brass locomotives? I'll admit, it's drop dead gorgeous. But the price will definitely be keeping me from buying it anytime soon...

Tom

Erf. I really don't knwo eough about brass to compare the BLI versus the Overland. I've gotta admit, the photos on the BLI site look gorgeous!

I only compare brass to plastic, and usually to find an acceptable plastic engine. If plastic runs well, is close to the prototype (close; I'm willing to accept putting 20+ hours of work into superdetailing), is DCC-friendly, and is cheaper than brass, it's usually my favorite!

[Medina1128]

$1700!?!?! Maybe when I win the lottery. Yeah, it's gorgeous, but then, so are their plastic ones... and I love my Santa Fe #3751..

[aartlib]

Now come on ,guys. Do you mean you have not seen the new Tower 55 line from Overland?? It is simply beautiful and priced right alongside BLI. Oh, it is plastic but as you previously described the brass BLI's, they are drop dead ..GORGEOUS.

Art
SFP&P Santa Fe in Arizona

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage
Did you check out the new addtion that BLI has on their web site. They are coming out with a limited run of a fully-painted, fully-detailed brass Great Northern S2 4-8-4.

Interesting they would choose a GN S2. The S2 is the least typical looking engine of the GN fleet. Most GN engines have Belpair fireboxes.

From the photo's on the web site it is hard to tell how "good" they really are. Generally it might be as good as United/PFM models from the early 80s. The pipe fittings and cab interior still looks a bit crude compared to W&R models. In some ways they have just caught up with Protos with things like "Free swinging truck chains". And there are still the phrases from the "toy" element like "operating cab roof vents". From the text I see fully sprung wheels - but doesn't indicate if the drivers are indpendent or equalized. There is no indication of what sort of transmission it has, so one assumes a standard worm. I see they still have a screw head showing in the center of the eccentric crank (most brass models do). I wonder if they have done something to eliminate the hollow tinny sound many brass models get while running.

Over all, if I was still collecting brass I think I would be interested. If not the price, I think the 27" minimum radius will eliminate a large part of the market.

Oh I just realized this was off topic. so - Almost any fairly recent brass model will be as or more detailed than a BLI. How they run is a different issue since brass running gear varies so widely and locomotives often have "individual" characteristcs. Personally I have sold off almost all my brass, because I like to run trains much more than look at them. $2000 for a excellent locomotive to accidentally run off the layout onto the floor just too great a risk.

Oh I also just realize this is in the layout form so - Maybe this BLI locomotive will start a trend and cause the normal minimum radius to move up to 30".