UPDATE: Trainworld BLI NYC 4-6-4 Hudsons

[hdtvnut]

Just got my 5297, ordered after reading this thread.

Works smoothly and looks good; a real bargain. Would have no hesitation to order more.

The MT-73 I ordered from Caboose Hobbies also looked good, but did not run well. It had a hitch
when going forward, and was noisy. Also derailed on a turnout/crossing combination which all
my articulateds can handle. Careful examination short of dis-assembling the gear train showed
nothing. Sent it back to BLI and got it back slightly improved, but not great. 6 hours run-in
hasn't helped much.

A salesman at Caboose Hobbies said they had to return the first shipment of MT-73's, and this was
one of the refurbished or replacement units, so I guess I should not have bought it.

BLI's at best are great; at worst they can be disasters. Wi***hey could get their quality act
together.

Hal


[8)]

[tstage]

Allan,

I agree. I'd opt for the Niagara with sound.

Tom

[BRVRR]

Thanks for the information guys, but I will wait for a Niagara with sound. I have a Bachmann Niagara with an MRC #1627 Steam Sound Decoder in it that works just fine for now. I'm still waiting for a Soundtraxx DSX 825211 ALCO sound decoder and speakers for my PAs. Besides, I don't want to test Santa's patience.

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRVRR

I ordered one of the Hudsons for me and N&W #611 4-8-4 for the grandson yesterday. Ordered a sound chip for the #611 from Litchfield Station. Christmas should arrive Saturday, maybe as late as Monday. They are in the mail!
Now if I can find a BLI Niagara for the right price somewhere....

Allan,

Well, not as nice a price as Aggro just gave, but - as of 02:26 EST - there's a NYC 4-8-4 on eBay: <15 hrs left - $182.48. (Without sound though)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Broadway-Limited-NYC-Niagara-4-8-4-6024-NO-Sound-NIB_W0QQitemZ6016928988QQcategoryZ484QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tom

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BRVRR
Now if I can find a BLI Niagara for the right price somewhere....

R544 NYC S1B 4-8-4 #6001, fact. painted, HO (NS) for $149.99 from BLI Outlet.

[tstage]

Allan,

You're definitely gonna be on his "Favorite Grandpa" list for sure now. BTW, I'm up for adoption...[:D]

Tom

[BRVRR]

I ordered one of the Hudsons for me and N&W #611 4-8-4 for the grandson yesterday. Ordered a sound chip for the #611 from Litchfield Station. Christmas should arrive Saturday, maybe as late as Monday. They are in the mail!
Now if I can find a BLI Niagara for the right price somewhere....

[selector]

Yup, mine is #501. Smooth as silk...a really great first loco.

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jondrd

Well we're going over budget again.

To those who might be wondering. TH&B is "Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo" they bought some Hudsons from NYC...

Jon

Jon,

Thanks for that bit of info. I was wonderin' who the TH&B was that NYC sold the Hudsons to.

Tom

[jecorbett]

You can get good deals on close outs if you don't mind not having the latest and greatest. Items are closed out not because they are of poor quality but because the manufacturer has come out with something newer and better. The closed out item is every bit as good as when it was the latest and greatest thing and selling at twice the price. It may not have all the bells and whistles (in this case maybe literally) as the newest thing, but that doesn't mean it's not a great value.

[jondrd]

Well we're going over budget again.

To those who might be wondering. TH&B is "Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo" they bought some Hudsons from NYC.

Tom thanks for the update.
Jon

[TBat55]

As bangert1 said, "001" means the first run. I sent mine back. BLI's $99 trade-in has significant change like a split frame for electrical isolation, an amber headlight instead of white, and others. I don't know why the frame change is important, but the new J1e seems to be quieter and runs smoother (DCC).

[selector]

Sheesh, Tom! Yer not makin' it any easier!!!! [sigh]

[:)]

[tstage]

Crandell,

Yep. Here's the entire info on the 4-6-4 Hudsons from BLI's web page:

QUOTE:
New York Central J1e/J1d Details
The factory installed Quantum sound system with dual speakers will feature the following:

* Synchronized Chuff
* Whistle
* Bell
* Squealing brakes
* Doppler effect
* Air let off (in neutral)
* Air pumps (in neutral)
* Water sounds (in neutral - blow down, pop off & injector)
* Blower hiss
* Headlight (dim head light in neutral)
* Slave (mutes whistle and bell for double heading)

Other features will include:

* Powerful 5-pole can motor with flywheel
* Die-cast locomotive chassis
* Die-cast tender chassis
* Detailed tender underbody
* Plated bell & whistle
* Deck plate from cab to tender
* Many exceptional prototypical added-on details like piping and appliances
* Prototypical cab interior, including backhead, etc.
* Operating headlight
* Directional backup light
* Authentic paint scheme and correct locomotive numbers
* Operating knuckle coupler on tender rear
* RP-25 contour on drivers and wheels
* Will operate on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail
* Can be operated on minimum 18" radius curves

NEW and UPDATED FEATURES for Re-Released Hudsons:

* Completely New ultra quiet, ultra smooth Drive Mechanism
* Completely New Electrical Pickup System with split frame design
* Nickel Plated Drivers
* Extra set of optional traction tire equipped drivers for additional pulling power
* Provision for double-heading
* Operating Kadee® coupler on tender
* Realistic Amber headlight

Tom

[selector]

[:P][dinner][sigh] What a great deal...these are with QSI, right?

[tstage]

Found out the following information from Trainworld on the BLI 4-6-4 Hudsons:

(Present availability & price)
BLI# - Road - Loco - Type - features - price
064 - NYC - #5275 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW & striping - $129.99
065 - NYC - #5297 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW, NO striping - $129.99
067 - TH&B - #502 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW & striping - $129.99

Also on the BLI website:

QUOTE:
New product UPDATE, April 2, 2004:

The NYC fans have asked for it, and now BLI has decided to deliver: a very limited additional run of our very first project – the NYC J1e 4-6-4, as well as another J1 subclass – the J1d 4-6-4 with the Elesco feedwater heater system. One of the J1d’s - #5275 - will be decorated with the striped running boards and tender. Due during the summer of 2004, we will offer a limited quantity of those NYC Hudsons with a completely NEW drive mechanism and electrical pickup design with new locomotive numbers, as well as some of our original numbers:

#064, #065, & #067 have an MSRP of $329.99. The older #'s are listed at $279.99. My guess is that these have the aforermentioned new drive mechanisms installed in them. If that is true, then these are quite a bargain.

Tom

[selector]

You're stronger than I am, Tom. When I get a big hankering, I'll do an unlimited amount of whining and dealing to get the loco. I have tried hard to not get my list and hopes up into the stratospheric range, but I still intend to acquire three more locos; a PRR J-1, a Consolidation, and a NYC S1b Niagara. Once I have those, I will be in 7th heaven. However, I am in 6th right now.

"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jondrd

After mdtell's input the Nike ad phrase comes to mind.

"Just do it"

If your conscience or significant other questions your action.

Response, "The devil made me do it" The d-cretin gets to everyone at least once.

Jon

Jon,

I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. That's called shifting blame and not taking responsibility for your own actions. Just because I may "want" something" or am tempted by something, doesn't necessarily legitimize the need for getting it. Quite often, what we "want" and what we "need" are entirely different and sometimes complete polar opposites in the whole scheme of things.

Granted, the $129.99 Hudson may be a quite a deal. BUT...I can still be happy and content if I don't get it, too. [:)]

Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

Has anyone bought a BLI NYC J1E OR J1D 4-6-4 Hudson from Trainworld? They have them on "Blowout" for $129.99. Seems I remember that BLI had a trade in for the Hudsons for $99. I was just curious whether these might be second-hand or reworks from BLI. Appreciate any input. [:)]

Also, what's the difference between the J1E and the J1D? Lastly, of those of you who have the BLI Hudson, how do you like them? What DON'T you like about them? Thanks!

Tom

The ones on sale are listed as 001, which are the first run. It is a good model, but BLI had it redone and replaced many of these for unknown reasons to us. The new one has nickel plated drivers so the first one might not have plated drivers, but I have read they run good.

[jondrd]

After mdtell's input the Nike ad phrase comes to mind.

"Just do it"

If your conscience or significant other questions your action.

Response, "The devil made me do it" The d-cretin gets to everyone at least once.


Jon

[tstage]

Crandell,

Right now, this info is just for reference purposes. The $130 for the BLI Hudson IS very tempting. [sigh] BUT...after the recent purchase of the BLI Mike...AND another new Proto 2000 S1 (this time an Erie - $26.64 on eBay), it's not presently in the budget and my layout isn't setup nor big enough to run passanger service. Maybe at some point. Trainworld has had it on blowout for a few months now.

I already have a Stewart NYC FT A-B on special order. I've also have my eye on that re-released Proto 2000 0-8-0. (That one won't be for a while either.)

Anyhow, thanks again everyone for the input...[:)]

Tom

[selector]

Oh, man-o-man, Tom. You got bit BIG, dincha? [(-D][:-,]

I have the TH&B version of the J1d. I have had no issues with it that were not of my own doing. I broke one of the tender pick-up tines, confessed to BLI, and they said send $7.00 and the loco. I got it back three weeks later and have not looked back.

It is a wonderful performer, looks and sounds really fine, and is my favourite in many ways. I really enjoy all of my locos, each carefully considered, and their numbers limited for just that reason. It looks like the prototypical big, fast workhorse that it was designed to be by the NYC. Just to put a fine point on my response, I paid $570 Cdn at the LHS in Nanaimo. The TW price computes to CDN $165, so whaddaya say?

-Crandell

[jondrd]

mdtell,

Guess your input puts the question into the "no brainer" catagory.

After taking the pledge not to(enough, enough, more locos than track-almost) your response has got the urge to purchase going again. Hey, it's a fantastic deal isn't that reason enough? No, I say to myself. Work with what you got. Oh, I think I'll continue this argument with my better judgment off line.

Tom, if you're persuaded to help Trainworld close out this item good luck with the Hudson. I hope it becomes a welcome stable mate to your BLI 2-8-2.

Jon

[mdtell]

I bought a J1d from Trainland. It is new, second run and runs beautifully. The price, $129.99 is unbelievable. It has the newer chip that allows you to program the engine the same as all the engines that came after the phase 1 J1e. It starts at a lower voltage than my first run J1e. The most obvious difference between the J1d and the J1e is that the former has an elesco feedwater heater protruding out of the smoke box on both sides and the latter has a coffin feedwater heater concealed within the smokebox. If you like Hudsons don't hesitate to take advantage of the Trainworld/Trainland close out offer.

[Virginian]

If you just want to ask any questions call Trainworld's non- 800 number and you will get answers. These people know their stuff. Do not expect a leisurely conversation about the weather while you are at it. :-) If you get the stock numbers for the various models off BLI's website that will help. If you know you are going to buy if they have so and so, call the 800 number and be sure you have the stock number(s), because the sales girls are not train experts.

[tstage]

Jon,

I bought a Proto 2000 Alco S1 switcher from Trainworld and was happy with both the locomoitve and Trainworld's service. (The S1 was purchased and in my hands in 4 days.) I was more concerned about the Hudson possibly being refurbished units or reworks from BLI. I'll fire off an e-mail to Trainworld to find out. Thanks!

Tom

[jondrd]

Tom,
I don't know but I strongly suspect they may be stock from initial run. If so, the question is are they refurbished? I guess one could ask Trainworld folks. For $129 dollars for good sound a question well worth asking. One thing I don't like about their ads is the term assorted roads available. If you get a helpful person on the line they would probably have no problem responding to questions if you don't.....
I did buy something from them a few years back and I was astonished by their very fast delivery.

I have a J1e from the first run. One of the tender wheel sets was not making electrical contact. I did a hasty fix with small diameter wire from the axle wipers and axles to screw head securing the truck to tender. Also had to get a new spring that goes around this screw; one in place was damaged. In analog mine runs OK except for the fairly frequent maintence on the aforementioned fix. The headlight and tender light have a distinct blueish cast to them. So far my BLI champ puller is the E7. If your layout is mostly flat running the Hudson will pull a respectable number of passenger cars. (my p-cars are mostly Rivarossi and IHC. Both quite light compared to some) As the grade increases the capability drops off fairly significantly. I've got two grades one is embarrassingly steep and the Hudson makes it with five cars and a lot of wheel slip. Analog running if you don't play the throttle right it'll stall.

Last night I programmed it for DCC and it seemed to run smoother than analog. Yeah, I finally got the sequence right to program address via my MRC Advanced Prodigy. Thanks again forum posters for your help on that operator problem.

Not a direct answer to your question about T-World I know but a little background info doesn't hurt.

Jon

[Anonymous]

No idea... Why don't you call them and ask? While it might be something that got squidged out of an ad, I doubt they'd outright lie about it if asked.

Even if that were the case, I'm not sure it would matter to me anyhow, especially if they carried full warranty.

[tstage]

Has anyone bought a BLI NYC J1E OR J1D 4-6-4 Hudson from Trainworld? They have them on "Blowout" for $129.99. Seems I remember that BLI had a trade in for the Hudsons for $99. I was just curious whether these might be second-hand or reworks from BLI. Appreciate any input. [:)]

Also, what's the difference between the J1E and the J1D? Lastly, of those of you who have the BLI Hudson, how do you like them? What DON'T you like about them? Thanks!

Tom