first sound loco

[Anonymous]

Although the BLI AC6000CW wont be out until february, im already considering buying one (CSX of course)[:D]. But i want some opinions. Would it be better to spend $250 on the one BLI engine with sound, or to buy 2 good quality engines (genesis, Kato, Etc.) for the same cost?

[Anonymous]

You running DC or DCC? I guess it really doesn't matter either way with BLI, but I would definietly go with BLI's sound, you'll be amazed at it. You can't imagine how it will make your layout come to life. That is the biggest trouble with BLI, is you have to wait on them to get it into production, it can seem like forever sometimes.

Have fun,
Greg

[AggroJones]

How important is sound to you? If your one of those people how would buy a sound decoder or play prototype sound through a stereo under the layout, then go with the single BLI. If you don't really care about simulated noises, get 2 non-sound equiped diesels.
I would go for the 2 Katos myself.

[Anonymous]

i already have a couple genesis 70MACs, i think ill buy the BLI. dont think i want more than 1 sound loco though, that could get pretty annoying. BTW im running DCC if it matters

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

Although the BLI AC6000CW wont be out until february, im already considering buying one (CSX of course)[:D]. But i want some opinions. Would it be better to spend $250 on the one BLI engine with sound, or to buy 2 good quality engines (genesis, Kato, Etc.) for the same cost?

Did you ever consider waiting until they have been out for a while, like when they go on clearance, and get both? I just got my BLI E8 or rather E8s. Had I purchased them when the were first released I would have had to pay something like $239 for one. But I waited and got two on clearance for $250.

[Anonymous]

its a great idea but waiting is so hard[B)] Besides, usually if you look hard enough you can find at least a 20% discount on just about anything.

[Anonymous]

Once you run sound It won't take you long to figure out if it is something that you enjoy.Although I am a pretty loyal BLI customer i would say between now and feb.Keep track of what atlas and lifelike are releasing they are using qsi also.I have a total of 8 engines from BLI I don't regret a single penny that I have spent.To me trains are noisy I have never heard a quite train,so weather it's sound or noise to that extent is it still realism that you can't get without it.

[Anonymous]

Texas Zepher: Where'd you find em that cheap? I'd buy any style loco if it was at that price!!!

Greg

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

i already have a couple genesis 70MACs, i think ill buy the BLI. dont think i want more than 1 sound loco though, that could get pretty annoying. BTW im running DCC if it matters

Hello JPM,

If you like sound, you'll likely want more units![:)][:D][8D]

I notice that some modelers keep bringing up that sound can get annoying. Modelers with sound equipped locomotives need to use the common sense guideline:

For Goodness sake, KEEP THE VOLUME TURNED LOW!!
Don't forget that It's also realistic. You're sitting next to a layout one with a locomotive on the tracks in front of you. Your "Scale Distance" from that locomotive as it runs on your layout can be anywhere from 200 scale feet to 1 scale mile! So the sound should reflect that rather than be at the "in your face" levels. [:0][(-D]

It's very understandable why some modelers that go to club layouts that feature sound leave with a headache! Some of the members want to make sure that their locomotives can be heard! It's almost a "macho" thing![:p] Thankfully, BLI sound volume can be turned down.

One of my favorite prototype "nuances" as a railfan was hearing diesels in a yard idling[;)]. GE's make a slow "Lop--Lop--Lop--Lop" or "Chug" sound. I remember that the sound was deep yet it was easy to carry on a conversation with the engineer standing next to the locomotive!

On my new HO layout, I'm looking forward to hearing 4 or 5 SCL locomotives idling in front of the diesel servicing building, waiting for their next assignments.

Guys, enjoying sound should be like eating a fine, relaxing meal: You don't want to drown the food with too much sauce, just add a little to complement it! [C=:-)][dinner]

[Virginian]

If you want the BLI, my advice is to get it. I have been enjoying my first Class A for a long time and some of them just went on clearance. As they say, time is money.

[tomwatkins]

Antonio, that was very well put, as always. I really enjoy my sound equipped loco's. I find that sound adds tremendously to the realism and the enjoyment, but the volume does need to adjusted to a resonable level.
Have Fun
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

I reserved an Atlas CW40-8 with sound last weekend. Does it sound as good as a BLI?

[Anonymous]

I run a BLI M1a and it is a favorite. Sometimes I have to turn it off because it may be sitting next to the Heavy Mike (Also BLI) and both of em panting and feeding water etc.... too much.

I personally dont care I enjoy the noise. What is interesting is the way sometimes they go downhill and the train shoves on it tripping the brake squeal.. has these engines done that for anyone else? Or is it just me backing down the throttle to keep that train under control?

[jlcjrbal]

When we decided to do a train layout for my son I had no idea what was out there. After lurking around a LHS in Baltimore CIty I asked the guy why these trains were so much more expensive. He said because the had sound and the next thing he said was " would you like to hear it" And that is all it took I happily put down the 200$ plus and the little boy raises his hands up and yells cho-cho every time I say lets play with the train...Anyway the sound can be lowered and they sound sweet.. Jospeh