Trix 2-8-2: Are they worth the additional cost?

[Anonymous]

I have both engines. The Trix 2-8-2 definitely runs better than the BLI, as you would expect, but NOT as well as my Trix Big Boy. The Trix 2-8-2 is simply not as smooth as the Big Boy. I am pleased with the Trix 2-8-2 in light of the fact that I paid less than $300 for it, new, on Ebay. The whistle is much better than the Big Boy's stupid fixed format multi-toot whistle and can be made to sound for as long as you hold down the whistle button. Overall, the Trix sound is very good but not up to that of the BLI.
There are also some physical features, such as the smoke stack being overly-thick, which are not done as well as on the BLI, but many (most?) other features are better in appearance on the Trix. One thing that really aggravates me about the Trix 2-8-2 is the nonoperating "scale" front coupler that cannot be easily swapped with an operating coupler. On the positive side, however, is the cool thing that the Trix can be pushed by hand and the wheels rotate - something that I wish all engines could do now and then. Bottom line is that I like both engines, but I got a great bargain on the Trix.

Charles

[cacole]

Tony's Train Exchange didn't have rave reviews of the Trix sound system when they evaluated a Big Boy earlier in the year, and the sound system in the 2-8-2 is probably similar. German engineering of the mechanism is one reason for the high cost, but the sound system detracts from it, according to Tony's web site.

The main reason for the high cost of the Trix models is that they are made by Marklin in Germany and BLI are made in China, where labor costs are significantly different.

[orsonroy]

Pobably not. Unless you're modeling a post-1930s NYC H-6a, the engine won't be accurate for any other road. Moreover, the Trix sound card won't allow you to play the whistle; when activated, you get two short blasts ONLY. And BLI engines have a street price of around $150 (I bought one last weekend for $149). Is the Trix engine worth an additional $200 for a SLIGHTLY better drive train?

[cnw4001]

Don't have the 2-8-2 but our other Trix locomotives are good runners.

[NYCentral1]

I have a BLI Hudson, and I love it, but I noticed the same thing. I think that was the only thing I could complain about, was that it had this slight buzz/whatever whenever I was in reverse...Come to think of it, for a 200+ engine, should that really be a problem?

[AggroJones]

Tom, I don't own either. But my guess is that the Trix is made with more precision. With that high tech gear jigger system that works like a flywheel attached to the motor. And I think the Trix runs silky smooth forward and backwards. Every BLI I've seen run growls in reverse. This may have somthing to do with the worm gear alignment.

[tstage]

Sorry about the question. Ever since I got my BLI MIke last week, I've been stuck in 2-8-2 mode.

Anyhow, do any of you have the Trix 2-8-2 Mike? If so, do you also have the BLI 2-8-2 and/or have you had the opportunity to look at one to compare the quality between the two? Just looking at price, I was wondering what the Trix buys you that the BLI doesn't have. Thanks for your answers. [:)]

Tom