BLI SD40-2 Cool Shots!

[Anonymous]

Photos of the units are now shown at Walthers.com. Ths first ones I saw on ebay did not look so hot, the Walthers photos seem to make the model look good. Too bad the CSX road #'s they selected are all ex-L&N with nose mounted lights....

[Anonymous]

Aside from the diameter of some guard rails or something else I don't care about, does anyone know how well this engine runs? Thanks. Rich

[Anonymous]

Wow.......what a bummer.

I have a BLI UP SD40-2 arriving tomorrow, Christmas eve, from Tony's (along with a Digitrax DCC system and some decoders). I was planning on having some fun Christmas with my boys running the thing, but now that Greg McCartney at the Atlas forum and SSW9389 infomed me that I got ripped off, I'm going to kick my dog.

I did a little search on the subject, and bounced around a couple of forums for a little bit, and I came away amazed how nuts people go over this rivet counting stuff. Really mean spirited arguments. Vile comments made about people. Disdain for people who model in a different scale than they do, or disagree with them on the merits of a particular model. And "those Lionel" people are the most stupid people around. Contempt for people who enjoy having some fun with sound. Etc etc etc. Dang!

No wonder many people think model railroaders are screwy people.

Having some zeal for one's hobby is a good thing, but some people need to cool out.

Like AntonioFP45 says .........Peace! God Bless our troops around the world on this Christmas Eve.

Jim

[AntonioFP45]

SSW,

Can you ask the hobby rep to take the unit out of the box so you can take a better look? Hopefully your LHS gives good customer service. As soon as these arrive at my LHS, I'll check one out and give my honest input. [;)]

But again, my perspective is likely different from a lot of poster here as I still clearly remember what HO modelers had available to them in 1977. You were considered "Hot Stuff" if you owned an Atlas, and "Ultra Hot" if you had brass. Athearn Blue Box was pretty much the common standard. So perhaps this is why, to me, the BLI unit looks so good. I still have some of my Athearns from 27 years ago and even with the weathering and detailing, looks pitiful [V]compared to that "$50" BLI .

Inspite of today's higher prices, as modelers.......................we've got it made!

Merry Christmas!

[SSW9389]

From the Atlas Forum. Like any subject this one needs more input so that all can fully understand what is being offered by the manufacturer. I just wanted to pass this on to those who take a more skeptical approach of BLIs newest offering.
Posted - 12/21/2004 : 19:59:43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got to see one of the CSX units this evening at my local hobby shop. Looks like it needed help. I couldn't take it out and get a close look at it as it has some funky black plastic protective casing around the fuel tank and ends as well as the foam. The hand rails were looking pretty wavey and the back porch was angle up. Not sure if this was caused by the packing or not but it looked as if the frame was also bent. Glad I don't model CSX and if the make Chessie I would still probably pass. My hobby shop's sticker price was $212.00, but looked like a $50 loco.

Greg McCartney

[wt259]

Just from the shots we have: See Thru grills, See Thru radiator fans, MU Stand, Air Hoses, Stanchion Chain on the platforms, Drop Step Plates, Seperate Grab Irons, Truck Detailing, Snow Plow.........................THIS BODY IS A PIECE OF JUNK??

Now let's drill out the class lights and add white L.E.Ds. Decal those number boards. Take an airbrush and weather the underframe: Seems like you have a nice looking diesel! [8D]

Oh, now let's throw in the sound........Ah! Mama Mia! She's-a-spicy!

Agewise, you and I are not too many years apart. You'll remember that back then many of us would spend MANY HOURS over a period of days (or months in my case ) painstakingly adding these types of details to HO units!

I still must respectfully disagree with you. The unit does not look bad! And certainly better than the GSB unit. As for beautiful noises, well to each his own. Since I was constantly railfanning years back, the beautiful noises from the BLI units do bring back very fond memories and add so much more to running model trains. [:D][8D][;)]

Peace!

[Anonymous]

I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!I want one!!!

Greg

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SSW9389

The detailing of the BL:I SD40-2 reminds me of the late GSB SD40-2 from twenty plus years ago. For the price they are charging BLI owes the purchaser a decent shell. I would note that Atlas can get it right with their first effort in a sound unit in theTrain Master. Why can't BLI? Because they are selling you a sound unit, all their effort is in the sound and little went into the shell. If you want to stand in line to buy a piece of junk that makes beautiful noise that's your choice. [8D]

Stand in line..to buy a piece of junk..... Geez! A little harsh but everyone here is entitled to their opinion!

SSW, I was a model railroad back then too.

O.K Now, I wanted to give you the beneift of the doubt.

Dismissing the fact that it has sound, I went to the BLI site and looked at the photos of the units "Closely". Just from the shots we have: See Thru grills, See Thru radiator fans, MU Stand, Air Hoses, Stanchion Chain on the platforms, Drop Step Plates, Seperate Grab Irons, Truck Detailing, Snow Plow.........................THIS BODY IS A PIECE OF JUNK??

Now let's drill out the class lights and add white L.E.Ds. Decal those number boards. Take an airbrush and weather the underframe: Seems like you have a nice looking diesel! [8D]

Oh, now let's throw in the sound........Ah! Mama Mia! She's-a-spicy!

Agewise, you and I are not too many years apart. You'll remember that back then many of us would spend MANY HOURS over a period of days (or months in my case ) painstakingly adding these types of details to HO units!

I still must respectfully disagree with you. The unit does not look bad! And certainly better than the GSB unit. As for beautiful noises, well to each his own. Since I was constantly railfanning years back, the beautiful noises from the BLI units do bring back very fond memories and add so much more to running model trains. [:D][8D][;)]

Peace!

[SSW9389]

The detailing of the BL:I SD40-2 reminds me of the late GSB SD40-2 from twenty plus years ago. For the price they are charging BLI owes the purchaser a decent shell. I would note that Atlas can get it right with their first effort in a sound unit in theTrain Master. Why can't BLI? Because they are selling you a sound unit, all their effort is in the sound and little went into the shell. If you want to stand in line to buy a piece of junk that makes beautiful noise that's your choice. [8D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

QUOTE: Originally posted by SSW9389

BLI's SD40-2 has been described on another site as a $50 model with a $200 sound system in it. My point being is that you get what you pay for. Sound being one thing and an excellent representation of the prototype being the other. I am saving my money on this one.

$50 model? Well, I don't know. I guess that since I grew up during the time period when Athearn Blue Box and Atlas Roco powered units were the standard, today's P2K and BLI diesels look beautiful to me. In the past, by the time a modeler added the additional body detailing that today's BLI and P2K diesels come with new in the box, more than $50 and a lot of time was spent.

Just my [2c] [(-D]

[twhite]

That is quite a lovely locomotive--but I'm with Cacole, I wi***hey'd come out with a tunnel motor for SP or Rio Grande. Unfortunately, the era that I model hadn't even heard of them yet, but I was always impressed watching the real ones. Unfortunately, I'd have to do some hard explaining as to why the Tunnel Motor was hauling a train of old wooden PFE and ART reefers--
But that's sure a handsome little devil, isn't it?
Tom

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

I just wish BLI would make a SD40 T-2 Tunnel Motor for SP and Rio Grande. I know Athearn is getting ready to release one, but I don't think it is going to have sound, and even if it does, it will be the cheap MRC decoder and not a QSI.

Nope the Athearn Tunnel Motor doesn't come with sound. Nothing that a Soundtraxx DSX decoder couldn't handle though!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by higssy

Is it just me, or do some of the details look a bit large for the prototype, such as the stanchions and the uncoupler bars?

I noticed that as well.

[Anonymous]

Is it just me, or do some of the details look a bit large for the prototype, such as the stanchions and the uncoupler bars? I must agree though they are very impressive looking, now only if they did it in CN colours.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SSW9389

BLI's SD40-2 has been described on another site as a $50 model with a $200 sound system in it. My point being is that you get what you pay for. Sound being one thing and an excellent representation of the prototype being the other. I am saving my money on this one.

$50 model? Well, I don't know. I guess that since I grew up during the time period when Athearn Blue Box and Atlas Roco powered units were the standard, today's P2K and BLI diesels look beautiful to me. In the past, by the time a modeler added the additional body detailing that today's BLI and P2K diesels come with new in the box, more than $50 and a lot of time was spent.

Just my [2c] [(-D]

[cacole]

I just wish BLI would make a SD40 T-2 Tunnel Motor for SP and Rio Grande. I know Athearn is getting ready to release one, but I don't think it is going to have sound, and even if it does, it will be the cheap MRC decoder and not a QSI.

[SSW9389]

BLI's SD40-2 has been described on another site as a $50 model with a $200 sound system in it. My point being is that you get what you pay for. Sound being one thing and an excellent representation of the prototype being the other. I am saving my money on this one.

[SSW9389]

Santa Fe's 50 RSD-15s were delivered in 1959-1960.

QUOTE: Originally posted by wes454

I checked BLI's site this morning and they have posted pictures of the RSD-15! Wow! I really liked them! Especially the high hood unit. I might have to add a couple of these to my roster! Anyone know what year they started appearing on the Santa Fe??

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Wes,

I check the BLI website regularly. No sound byte for the Alco. Guess we'll to wait until they're in the store shelves. Hopefully your LHS is as friendly as mine and the manager will demonstrate the unit on a test track. ( I would demand this anyway if I'm shelling out a couple of hundred dollars for a BLI!)

I'm sure though, that we won't be dissappointed! QSI has really proved themselves!

[Anonymous]

Antonio, have you checked QSI's site? Maybe the sound byte is there. I haven't looked either, but it's worth a look...

[AntonioFP45]

I wish BLI would post sound samples for the other locomotives, including the RSD15. When idling, Alco diesel locomotives sound like Harley Davison bikes on steroids!!

( Diddy-Wump! Diddy-Wump! Diddy-Wump! Diddy-Wump! )

When they rev up, they sound like they're about to fly apart! Tough machines, though!

[Anonymous]

I checked BLI's site this morning and they have posted pictures of the RSD-15! Wow! I really liked them! Especially the high hood unit. I might have to add a couple of these to my roster! Anyone know what year they started appearing on the Santa Fe??

[AntonioFP45]

Timbowa,

You bring up a good point but part of the problem is that locomotives like the SD40-2 came in various configurations with regards to the Horn Type, Horn Location, MU Hoses, etc, BLI will use one style. Then it's up to the modeler to make modifications.

With paint schemes, we have to remember that often times when a manufacturer receives "an official" paint scheme for a model, it's often from a prototype railroad's archives or a historical society. What happens is that the railroad might have proposed or planned to use the scheme and changed it at the last minute. This happens a lot in the transportation industry, not just with railroads. Used to drive me crazy when I worked in the transit body shop---managers would bicker over little changes here and there----my body shop crew wanted to pull their hairs out


BLI also keeps horns generalized for each diesel line. CSX and NS SD40-2s, for example, normally use the K5 series horns. But again, it's much cheaper for BLI to keep the models rather generalized with the most common features. If they did start to custom-taylor their units, the prices would definitly climb up $$.

This is why I very much appreciate the choices offered by Soundtraxx. Still though, the BLI diesels, IMHO, are very nice and yes when you hear one up close, in front of you...........the sound is impressive!

I can live with the BLI SD40-2's horn as it is prototype, just not to every railroad that owned these units (which I think was almost every Class 1 railroad back in the 70s!)

Cheers!

[Anonymous]

anyone know anything about the BLI AC6000CW?

[bn7026]

All BLI needs to do is get the colours right on the BN unit. As far as I'm aware they shouldn't have green on the walkways or the areas below. Oh and only the ends of the coupler lift bars were painted white.

The horn location is a bit suspect as well. BN units used to have a beacon above the lights so I think the horn should be further back.

Personally I'd rather have a model of the BN unit with the later style radiator grills. THe type on this model were only used on 10% or less of their fleet .

Just my thoughts

Tim

[Anonymous]

I guess I'm the only one (so far) that doesn't like the sound. I've heard hundreds of SD40-2's, and not one sounded a thing like the one in the BLI sound clip. I want to hear the loco for myself though, since the sound clip was more than likely compressed.

[Anonymous]

I totally agree, Antonio. The BLI SD40-2 is one SHARP locomotive. I may have to get one, even though it's to new for my layout. In UP paint, of course![:D]

[AntonioFP45]

www.Broadway-Limited.com

On the right side of the page you can click on the link.

Even though the writing indicates that it was updated 11/24/04 I used to see the old photo, not these newer ones!

That is a very sharp looking locomotive! Beautiful paint jobs in the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific schemes. The only modification I would make is to drill out the "class lights" and install L.E.D lights in the holes.

The sound sample is nice with the diesel definitly sounding like the EMD 16 cylinder 645 series. The horn sounds very much like a Leslie S3 or S3L. (You can check out 5 Chime Horn Consultants at
http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/ and click on the samples for comparisons)

This unit looks like it's going to be a winner! I'm planning on getting one. From what I've noticed on my friend's layout, BLI units seem to run and sound even better on DCC. Looking forward to it!

Funny thing about this is that back in the 70s as a teen I remember that quite a few of us (me too) used to "rag" on SD40-2s and even call them MUTANTS! Especially with those huge porches! After having established their reputations as tough, reliable fast haulers they became the most popular 6 axle units in American railroading and suddenly "they started to look very attractive". [;)]

Darn Railfans! We sure can be fickle! [:p][8D][:D][8)]