Sept MR & BLI ATSF Northern

[atsf118]

Can't wait to see that review. Where did they find one that is "black". Anybody else having trouble viewing the video. All I get is a BLI SP Cabforward.[?]

[Don Gibson]

BLI made several different numbered emgines of the 3750 class of which #3751 happens to be the restored (and freshly painted) engine.

BLI's model black is more representative of actual engines, whereas the freshly painted and restored 3751 isn't ... .yet. Out on the raod freshly painted engine sported black coats, and 'greyed' out in the elements. In short, as it was in use.

Anyone who wants the freshly painted version can have it done , as those of us who bought brass know.

[Anonymous]

Sorry Don, but I beg to differ on the grey being prototypical. I have the 3755 because I specifically did not want it confused with the 3751 on my layout. While I like it immensely and at when it's viewed at certain angles and lighting conditions the paint looks fine yet these are only a few angles I can say that about. At most angles it looks grey and in a wrong way - i.e., I wouldn't call it weathering at those angles, because weathering is not uniformly grey nor a clean grey on weathered locos. I have several vintage shots of these locos in the various ATSF books and videos in my library and even the dirty 37xx's still look black and hardly like my 3755. I don't dislike the BLI 4-8-4. I honestly do like it a lot (proof being that I did not return it and run it regularly). But I don't kid myself either. It's a not all to protoypical grey. BLI themselves agree - many sources have indicated that BLI was very upset with this snafu. They have also said it was a mistake resulting from a desire to "lighten up" the black a bit to help enhance the details, but the lightening up went a little to far at the factory. That report came out the first day or two after these hit the streets from somebody who either talked to or got an e-mail reponse from BLI. Again, the model is exquisite but the paint is an issue. Take care.

Greg

[mdtell]

I too like my BLI ATSF 3751. But I do note the following discrepancies on my model:
1. The locomotive model has three cross compound air compressors - one under the cab and two on the pilot beam. On the prototype, when the Elesco feedwater heater was exchanged for the Worthington type, the pump was put on the pilot beam where one of the air pumps was located (engineer's side of the loco) and the air pump relocated to under the cab on the fireman's side. So the model should only have two air pumps. The model has the feedwater pump on the pilot beam but it is inbetween the two air pumps.

2. The stack extension (which I installed) does not appear to be the same as the extension that was used on the 3751 when it was in regular service, although it does appear to be one of the types used by the Santa Fe on other locomotives.

3. The tender capacity lettering on the back of the tender is incorrect (I replaced it with decals). Interestingly, the preproduction photo of the engine on the BLI website has the correct lettering. I find the engine will not take an 18" radius as indicated on the BLI website but runs very well on 22" radius. This may be because all drivers are flanged and the 80" drivers make for a long wheelbase. My BLI M1b takes the 18" radius very well, but, as with the prototype, has the two middle drivers, on both sides, without flanges.

4. The sound system only provides three chuffs per driver revolution instead of the prototypical four chuffs. This is not noticeable unless you look for it, but once you find it, it is disturbing. I spoke with BLI about it but they said new software was required to correct the problem and they did not know if that would be done. A similar problem with their PRR J1 was corrected with a new chip using M1 software.

The engine is otherwise detailed nicely and runs and sounds very well. The off color paint job, under my lighting, looks like faded black and doesn't bother me.

[Anonymous]

GOOD MORNING ALL:

I purchased ATSF # 3762 and was so unhappy about the loco and so p------ with BWL that I went out and purchased another one.

I like my locomotives!!!! I am looking forward to the next two Santa Fe locos and am already my saving money.

I have a sign on the wall in the train room that reads "If you don't like the manner in which these trains are operated, please notice the mistle toe attached to the owners shirt tail." I buy trains for my enjoyment and don't try to impress anyone.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY

Bob