Ever since BLI released the PRR 4-4-4-4 T1 Duplexs in N scale back in November I've been seeing fantastic reviews and testimonials. However, other members of my club and I have been seeing nothing but trouble with these units. I purchased two and had to send then both back to BLI for servicing. One unit was missing a pin on the driving gear and the other suffered from substantial pick up problems. After approximately 6 weeks BLI sent me back the unit that was experiencing pick up problems explaining that the service team cleaned all of the elements responsible for providing the motor with power. I was told it was tested and was in good working order. The other unit I sent in was just replaced with a new one that I was told also was tested and worked well too.
It's been about a month since I received them and I am still experiencing significant power issues with both units. They both lose power often, and this is the case on both Kato Unitrack and Peco flex track. I've cleaned the units to death and I don't think it's an issue with weight but I could be wrong.
Is anyone else experiencing issues like these? Does anyone have any advice? Any and all help in appreciated, the models look beautiful but with their lack of functionality they're just really expensive paperweights at the moment.
Welcome!
I'm sure you'll get lots of responses, as BLI and their electrical problems seem to be a constant topic.
I don't own one, but they look like beautiful machines. I wonder why BLI can't seem to get the electrical issues resolved.
Mike.
My You Tube
If the tracks are clean, and not 'lumpy'...they don't look like that telephoto foreshortened look down a well-used yard with all the dips and squiggles, then these locomotives should work well enough. All my BLI HO steamers are reliable runners. But, I've learned that the tethers, which I wish BLI would redesign and improve, are often the source of the electrical problems. Aside from problematic solders and broken wires at the plug (they're exceedingly tiny and fragile!), it's the insertion that is often where the trouble lies. Or rather, the incomplete insertion.
Even though I have yet to break a tether, so no problem for me there...yet..., I have had locomotives that make sounds, but no locomotion. When I remove the loco and tender, and make a more concerted effort to press the male plug home...further... that often cures the problem.
There is such a thing as ConductaLube, a lubricant intended to be used under the wipers, or between the wipers and whatever they're meant to rub up against. As far as I know, BLI is a user of this product. It works. In cleaning scrupulously, you may have fixed one problem but also robbed the surfaces of this important lubricant that also conducts electricity.
If this problem persists, and you know the tracks are good because all other locomotives work fine on them, you should ask to speak with the repair guy at BLI and have a conversation with him. Make him an ally. Send the item back with him knowing it's coming, and from whom, and why.
cold stealusing D.C.? I've experienced the same in h.o.scale b.l.i. However after going to a MRC tech 6 which is dcc and dc they run great in the dcc mode. I'm guessing cause the rails are fully juiced in dcc. I have only been able to test them in DCC. Everytime I try to use DC with these locomotives I get some sounds coming from the engine but no movement. I dont think these things run very well on non DCC.
I have only been able to test them in DCC. Everytime I try to use DC with these locomotives I get some sounds coming from the engine but no movement. I dont think these things run very well on non DCC.
Thank you for the detailed reply so quickly! I am confidant that the problem is not the tracks, my other locomotives do run quite well when tested on the same stretch. That being the case I will try ConductaLube and then follow up with the repair technician if all else fails. Once again thank you for the advice!