dadret:
I purchased a Pennsy J1 from FDT a few months ago. I had also purchased one of their Trackmobiles this spring. Both transactions went smoothly and both were Internet orders. I haven't looked at their site lately but with the J1, there was an offer to purchase the appropriate motor decoder from FDT at the same time. They offered a Digitrax decoder and I included it in my order. Don't have the decoder number in front of me but it was just a matter of removing the tender shell and plugging it in.
john
I use TCS T-1 decoders in Blue Line engines and they are a good choice.
I have two of the original Broadway Limited 4-8-4 engines with the QSI sound system, and another club member recently purchased the Blue Line version. The Blue Line sound is quite different than QSI's, and is very good. My biggest nit to pick with the Blue Line model is the paint job -- it's too shiny. The original was a more realistic color.
I also have the Blue Line Alco RSD-15 locomotive set and think they have the best sound of all.
Factory Direct Trains is a very good company to deal with. When I purchased the Burlington California Zephyr A-B-A Precision Craft locomotive set with LokSound decoders from them and one of the decoders was bad, they sent me a replacement locomotive and a mailing label so I could return the defective unit to them at their expense. That's first rate customer support. And a price of $199 for 3 powered units, all with sound, can't be beat. I paid $119 for the Alco RSD-15s, and recently saw the same models being hawked for $169.95 plus $14.95 shipping from a different dealer. Factory Direct Trains shipping was free.
Just about an "normal" 8-pin decoder will do.
About FDT, they are the best. I've bought a lot from them and Joe the owner is a superb guy to deal with. Whenever their has been even the slightest problem he has solved it immediately. Quick shipping to. Highly recommended. No complaints what so ever.
Magnus
I got 2 Blueline locos from MB klien. Better price than FTD. Both of mine have the TCS T1 decoder. Both run and sound excelent.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Awhile back bought a sound equipped BLI 2-10-2 from FDT had a problem with it only able to run in reverse after speaking with Joe a new unit wash shipped the next day with a mailing label for return of the defective one.....new unit arrived in 3 or 4 days.
Concider their service to be outstanding