Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

BLI Plymouth Switchers

2401 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, June 25, 2021 11:10 PM

Here is a working link to Factory Direct Hobbies:

https://factorydirecthobbies.com/collections/ho-plymouth-w-series-35-ton-switcher-fdh-exclusive-by-bli

I just ordered one of the yellow weathered unlettered units. Shipping to Canada is not cheap.Grumpy

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, June 25, 2021 5:08 PM

I looked at these quite a while ago and found a youtube video of them stalling on an Atlas crossing (not crossover)  I don't have time to search for that video.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 10 posts
Posted by Soo61245 on Friday, June 25, 2021 3:27 PM

Dave:

    I ordered the BLI 35ton Plymouth, just out. Mine came today. I don't see any reference to a keep alive device in the owners manual and testing so far indicates this was not included.  I just got off the phone with tech support at NCE (it has their decoder) and they suggested I check the decoder as it may have the necessary tabs to attach their version of "keep alive".  Then next step would be seeing if their keep alive would fit...the cab may have just enough space.

I have not found that any 4 or six axle locos I have need keep alive but these tiny units with pickup on 4 drivers really should have it.  Since this unit has traction tires on the middle axle, this may add to the stalling problem.

I would like to hear from others who have ordered the new BLI 35 tonner.  

I also have a BLI Trackmobile from the first run, about 2007 and mine runs without any stalling...and of course pickup on just 4 wheels. 

john

  • Member since
    September 2020
  • 432 posts
Posted by JDawg on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 9:03 AM

I was considering getting the GN one, but I opted for a blue version from walthers. Why you ask? The walthers version is, well, how do I put this... it's more... cuter.Big Smile  Confused

JJF


Prototypically modeling the Great Northern in Minnesota with just a hint of freelancing. Smile, Wink & Grin

Yesterday is History.

Tomorrow is a Mystery.

But today is a Gift, that is why it is called the Present. 

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,756 posts
Posted by snjroy on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 8:51 AM

Dave, I don't own one of these. Walthers offered a 4 wheel Plymouth (not sure they still make them). The interesting part about the Walthers Plymouth is that it had a keep alive decoder. I know this BLI has more wheels, but if your layout has a lot of switches, I would check to see what type of decoder is in there and check if it is a keep-alive. I could not see from the ad if it was the case.

Simon

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Springboro, Ohio
  • 201 posts
BLI Plymouth Switchers
Posted by ripvanwnkl on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 8:16 AM

Has anybody tried out these new HO switchers "exclusively" from Factory Direct Hobbies?  https://factorydirecthobbies.com/collections/ho-plymouth-w-series-35-ton-switcher-fdh-exclusive-by-bli

 

Dave

USAF (Retired)

 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!