I have been humming and hawing over purchasing a Paragon C&O 2-10-4 that is at my LHS and now they have a Blueline copy of the same engine for about $60.00 less. So should I buy the Blueline and put my own decoder in or go with the Paragon? I am venturing into new territory here as I have never installed a decoder, but there is a first time for everything. Also are there any differences other than one not having the decoder that I should know about?
If you recomend the Blueline, what kind of decoder should I get? I have an NCE Pro-R system. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
It only matters if you are not comfortable with having to install your own motive decoder and if you don't mind the quirky programming required when two decoders are responding to the same address. This is my preference, and that is to have one decoder per engine. So, if it were my decision, I wouldn't consider the Blueline at all. However, I have heard many people say that they like the sound files in the Blueline engines over those of the QSI.
-Crandell
In my opinion, the BlueLine sound is far superior to the original Paragon. An NCE or TCS decoder would be a good choice for motor control.
If I were in the market for that locomotive, I'd wait to see if it's going to be re-released as a Paragon2 version unless it's on sale at a really good price point.
If that hobby shop has a test track, ask them if you can hear both models and then pick the one that you prefer.
For the two BLs I purchased I used a Digitrax DZ143PS in both. Install and Programming took all of three minutes, seriously . It's no different than having two locos on your programming track at one time. I'm sure there are folks that have had issues but people have issues with all things in life.
San Dimas Southern slideshow
I believe the 2-10-4 is a paragon and not paragon 2.
I would get the Blueline and install my own decoder. NCE and digitrax have compatible decoders that are very good. The Blueline can take a bit to get used to since you'll have 2 decoders but they sound great and are worth the learning curve. The paragon 2 is the latest and even better with Blueline sound quality and motor decoder built in but there are only a few units released to date.
Springfield PA
The sound of my 3 Blue Lines diesels is pretty darn good, I like them much better than the paragon BLI steamers I have.
With being steam, this part may not hold up, but. I have had far less problems with my Blue Line diesels than the paragon steam engines. I have only one steamer that I have not had to repair and it sounds like it is losing a tower gear.
Far as programing, after you get the hang of it, not hard at all. it is just different.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
BATMAN I have been humming and hawing over purchasing a Paragon C&O 2-10-4 that is at my LHS and now they have a Blueline copy of the same engine for about $60.00 less. So should I buy the Blueline and put my own decoder in or go with the Paragon? I am venturing into new territory here as I have never installed a decoder, but there is a first time for everything. Also are there any differences other than one not having the decoder that I should know about? If you recomend the Blueline, what kind of decoder should I get? I have an NCE Pro-R system. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Brent
Brent,
I own two BLI Paragon 2-10-4 steamers, a C&O (#3001) and a ATSF (#3829), that I operate on an NCE PH-Pro powered system. I have no problems with either of them and the sound is great.
The price difference between the Paragon and Blueline is probably closer to only $30 after you purchase the decoder. While I would agree that installing a decoder is not rocket science, if it is going to be your first installation, I would recommend you spend the extra money and buy the Paragon.
When I first started installing decoders, it was confusing and I managed to melt a couple of decoders before getting it right. Installing a decoder on a Blueline is a bit more complicated because the Blueline is designed for DC operation and already comes equipped with a sound decoder. To operate the Blueline on DCC, you have to install a second decoder. While that normally can be done trouble-free, there are some complexities associated with certain installations.
One observation about the Paragon 2-10-4, and this may apply to the Blueline as well. The pilot truck on both of my engines, and on all of my Paragon steamers for that matter, has a mind of its own. It easily wanders off the rails, particulary over turnouts, so I would suggest that you invest in a thin lead weight sheet that you can cut to size and install on the pilot truck. The added weight does a good job of keeping the pilot truck on the track. Your LHS should have the lead weight sheet that you need for this purpose.
Rich
Alton Junction
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
i own quite a few bli's if you go with blue line larry from bli recommends tsc m2sh .and i agree follow directions and get a programing device like ptb 100 from soundtraxx this will help . as for the paragon you don't have to install a decoder just program it and go . the sound qaulity and motor control you can't beat them.