The BLI Heavy 2-8-2 is part of their "Powerhouse" series, and as such doesn't have all the extra detail of the Paragon series of steamers. I have one (in CB&Q) and it's a dandy little puller (up to 20 cars on my 2.2% grades, which is about what I'd expect), though the pin on one of the rods worked itself loose a couple of months ago. No problem, just tightened the rod and it charges around the layout quite nicely. Nice sound, and no complaints. Well, one: putting an operating coupler on the front of the locomotive is not the easiest process in the world. Haven't done it yet, but a friend of mine says that the Kadee #58 does the trick pretty well.
I understand that the newer Powerhouse releases will concentrate on the USRA Heavy 4-6-2, which seems a blessing, since this type of loco has not been made in an affordable non-brass style since the older Rivarossi. For a while, I thought that the 4-6-2 was about to become an almost forgotten wheel arrangement, LOL!
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
I have one of the first run heavies. No issues at all. It will start a 15 car freight from a dead stop on a 3% grade. (Probably until the drive wheels wear in)
I check the rods, nuts and stuff once a year. Lube and service every year also.
If they have DCC and Sound for 130- grab a copy. I paid close to 200- for my copy.
The only problem I ever had was the dummy front coupler. I left it alone because butchering is not an option. I simply waited until an Undec Light Mike was availible and placed an order. (That engine does have couplers on both ends) I should be getting that engine at any time this year.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
The only "problem" with the heavies is that they made too many of them. That's why they're being dumped on Ebay and other online sites these days.
I own two of the heavies and three of the lights, and they're all great engines. The only issue I have with the heavy is that it doesn't come with a traction tire, which limited it to 15 cars up my 2% grades. The lights with TTs installed will easily pull 25 cars up the same grade.
And don't worry about not being able to get engines lettered for the Frisco: Champ makes decals for both the freight (EH-256) and passenger (EH-263) painted engines.
Ray Breyer
Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943
Stix:
Only the 2-8-2 lights are currently advertised, and not in my Frisco roadname. One was listed on their outlet direct listing about two months ago, but I was pokey and ended up missing out on it. By the way, the ebayer lists it for $125.00, and $130.00 for "buy it now". That usually sends up a red flag for me, on the other hand that's a good price for the current USRA lights--so I guess a follow-up question here is if you know if there's been any significant upgrade, or conversely if there was any problem with the Heavy's--I don't have an old enough Walther's catalogue to know how long it's been since they were produced.
Jim
The programming problems were with the first BLI Hudson's back a few years. Since then there aren't any problems. I have a GN 2-8-2 heavy. The detailing is a little more basic than engines in their more expensive line, but it's still good. (I do miss having a cab to tender "apron"). Runs well, even better with the QSI chip upgrade installed.
BTW are they permanently out of production, or does BLI just not have any right now?? I think they're still on the BLI website.
E-bayer has several on sale now in a couple of roadnames, including the fallen flag I'll be modelling. Don't know how long they've been out of production, they're doing the light 2-8-2's now and had also done my road(Frisco) but they're not producing any more in Frisco logo now.
My usual loco questions: detail quality, durability, pulling power, etc. I know overall most of you have given pretty favorable reviews to the BLI DCC-sound steamers. One additional question would relate to the QSI sound decoder ? being an issue programming on the programming vs. main track(discussed on another thread).
Thanks,