Hi,
Two years ago I bought a BLI HO Paragon 2 EMD SW7 Phase 2 switcher in Illinois Central Livery. It is BLI's number 2041, with DCC and Sound (outstanding!). It is in the old Illinois Central black livery with the green diamond herald - road number 1219.
My question may sound strange, but has anyone else seen one of these? Out of curiosity, I have searched the web and even BLI's site, and have yet to find mention of another one.
Obviously this must have been very limited production, but is it considered "rare"?
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Several SW7's are listed on Fallen Flags web site but they have been renumbered. The picture below was listed as 1983, but the paint scheme seems to be the old one without the diamond,.
I remember seeing some switchers but cannot remember the original numbers.
the list below shows the IC purchased 50 new SW7's in 1950 but the orginal numbers were listed as 9300 and 9400 series. They probably were renumbered when rebuilt.
Rare??? I doubt it.
CZ
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ic/ic800k.jpg
CZ,
Thanks for the reply and photo, but I was referring to the model loco. The prototype did exist, which I know for certain. But I'm interested in the model itself. Has anyone seen another one (BLI # 2041)???
Thanks,
Mobilman44,
I was curious, so I did a little searching and in Walther's ,2010,catalog,they list another,above the one you mention,BLI # 2040 IC #1202. So they made two the same, at least.
Cheers,
Frank
BLI released two road numbers in the Illinois Central livery -- 1219 and 1202; I have both, and so does another club member.
Now you have popped my bubble!!!!!!! I have one and was going to put it on Ebay as vintage and rare for 500 bucks.
Charlie
charlie9 Now you have popped my bubble!!!!!!! I have one and was going to put it on Ebay as vintage and rare for 500 bucks. Charlie
Charlie,
Never let the facts interfere with a "good" sales pitch! Seems no one else there does!
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
Well, it looks like there are a few others out there, but I suspect BLI only put out a small number of them.
I bought it because it "sort of" went with my primarily layout, but I would prefer to have the same type in zebra ATSF livery that recently came out.
Maybe I'll put it on Ebay and use the funds for the BLI ATSF version................
Actually, i was only kidding about selling mine. I use it to switch the caboose track and other light duty chores. I have been spoiled by the Kato NW-2's and Atlas Geeps to the point that even a P2K yard engine is lacking. The BLI sound equipped engines run smoothly enough, they just can't pull a 25 or 30 car cut back and boot the cars down the lead.
charlie
Charlie, don't dismiss that thought too readily.
As mobilman44 suggests, there doesn't seem to be a lot of them out there. It is listed on MB Klein as "out of stock". You never see that loco on eBay. It originally retailed for $200. An eBay auction might bring $200 or more from someone who really wants it.
Rich
Alton Junction
Ok folks, I got the scoop.............
I got an email back from BLI (bless them!) and the IC switchers were a one shot deal, with between 90 and 100 produced. I realize the IC is not to most popular RR to be modeled, but with only 100 produced, it sure makes them "semi rare".
mm44, I agree. Since BLI produced two road numbers, there are probably only 45 to 50 of each, so it probably is somwhat rare.
Watcha gonna do with it?
Now that BLI has a similar one (DCC/Sound) for the Santa Fe, I will likely put the IC on Ebay and use the proceeds toward the Santa Fe model - as it is more in line with my ATSF themed layout.
They really did a nice job on this model, one of several BLIs that I have.
I would rather have the SW9/1200, that P2K,had out, highly detailed,great runner's, but DC, I have three,in ATSF Zebra. I don't need the whistle's and bells,but that is just me.
I also have the P2Ks, and two Stewarts. The Stewarts (kato drive) are awesome. BUT, I want a switcher with sound, so the ATSF will replace the IC.