Hey, if we are talking BLI reco units here try some other retailers first for new units. I have bought several Brand New Units from retailers such as Trainworld for less money than BLI are selling their reconditioned models for. I would only by a reco model from BLI if I could not find a new unit elswhere.
Jim.
Well, I know there are lemons in all scales and manufacturers but I'd never seen anyone selling "rejects" openly before.
I just bought a Blueline RSD-15 on ebay for a great price so I'll get to see first hand. I love the RSD's and their rugged hulking look.
Thanks for the help, guys!
Roger Huber
On the RSD 15, it could be a Blue Line or a Paragon with or with out sound. If it is a Blue Line you will need to add a decoder and simple to do. I have a Blue Line RSD 15 and it is a great engine, love the sound as it idles. Only thing I don't like about the engine is the gap irons, look a little to big and a little cheap.
Far as buying there reconditioned engines, I would. I could not have any worst luck with them than the new ones I have bought! I have 9 BLI / PCM and Blue line engines. Of the 9 only 3 have never been back, replaced or repaired by me. Couple have been back two times. One engine I have repaired 4 times. I have had the best luck with the Blue Lines, only one has been bad and it was replaced.
But, what they lack in Q C they make up for in there services department. Guys there have been helpfully and supplied parts I need to make the repairs for free. There turn around time is to long if you ask me, 2 months to get my $700.00 Big Boy back that did not work right when I got it. But, they do what they can do.
So yes I would buy there reconditioned engines, more than likely the bugs have all ready been worked out. All so more than likely lubed properly, they seem to skip the lube at the factory.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
I bought 2 reconditioned locos from BLI and I am happy with them. The price may not be so attractive, but those locos have been thoroughly checked and tested and showed no wear and tear.
Installing a DCC decoder is easy - just plug in the right size decoder as recommended by BLI and that´s it. You don´t have to rip out the board and install a Tsunami. BLI sound maybe not exactly matching the quality of a Tsunami, but the difference can be neglected.
Roger, BLI has the same problems that Bachmann Spectrum, Athearn Genesis, Atlas, Kato, Intermountain, and all the rest have...quality control issues that they can't reduce without driving up their costs. So, your guess is exactly what they do...swap out a new one for one returned to them with problems, or they repair them and return them.
I have two wonderfully reliable Outlet Direct engines. I have no idea of their earlier history, but each of them is into its fourth year on my layout, and they run and look just great. The warranty that BLI gives to customers of new engines is the very same warranty you get with their refurbished engines from their store. Of the two engines I purchased there, one had to be returned about a year later for two problems, one of them of my own doing. They repaired both matters for the exhorbitant price of $7, claiming that it was for return postage to me. One of the matters, the one not of my doing, cost them a new decoder.
So far I have been lucky....first in chosing BLI steamers, and secondly in having either excellent user service or excellent repair service and fast turnaround times, usually one month. All in all, I wouldn't hesitate for one second to recommend that you take advantage of the bargains at that shop. The worse that could happen is that you have to request a shipping authorization and await a repair or a replacement. Either way, you eventually get among the best HO steamers available.
-Crandell
I keep noticing that on their website(s) they always show reconditioned models. Do they have such poor reliability or quality that they trade new locos for older or damaged engines and then resell those? I'm kinda hesitant to buy from a company that does that.
I'd like a couple RSD-15s but I don't want to buy someone elses junker. Is there anyone who has bought one of their reconditioned units that can enlighten me?
I also think they have sound but no DCC installed. Is that correct? Will the sound work if I install a Digitrax decoder or would I need to just rip everything out and get a Tsunami?
Thanks,