General Discussion (Model Railroader)

I am considering purchase of a cab forward, AC4, AC5, AC12, it doesnt matter, I just like the look of these locos. So the question is which is the better running model, BLI or Intermountain?

I run DC and would prefer sound if that helps with the feedback.

 Philip

I have the BLI Cab Forward and recommend it highly. Smooth, quiet running (the drive train that is), I don't know how accurate the sound system is but it sounds fine to me,well detailed, plenty of pulling power with or without the traction tire mounted drivers (you can form your own bias for or against traction tires).

Good luck and happy hunting. Andrew

I have a friend that has both the BLI AC 4/5 and the Intermountain AC-12. He runs both on a modular club. He has also run both on my home DC layout and also while it was hooked up to DCC. From my own experience with him, the BLI runs great. The Intermountain has beautiful detail and sound but runs poorly. Most of the drivers were out of gauge from the factory. He sent it back and when it was returned it was in better shape but still did not run the way it should. ( I am not sure if Intermountain repaired or replaced it.) The AC-12 also does not run at Prototype top speed. As I understand it, this was a serious problem for the La Mesa club in San Diego. They had purchased 25 Intermountains and had one of their loco experts regear or remotor all of them. The MR forum covered this remotoring issue in a thread a while back.

I have pre ordered a BLI AC-5 and have a Rivarossi AC-12 that runs like a top and pulls a lot of cars

Peter Smith, Memphis

Get the BLI unit. Ive owned and sold much BLI steam that actually ran well.

Intermountains recieved a bad noise on these forums and others on thier last release.

Wasn't there also a problem with the Intermountains having the paint flake off the details or something to that effect? I could have sworn that I recall seeing that somewhere (probably here).

Thank all for your comments. I already have a BLI ATSF 4-8-4 which I am very happy with and your advice has convinced me to buy a BLI AC4/5.

Anyone got any suggestions on who offers the best price?

Cheers

Philip 

 

I'd definitely get the BLI.  I have the AC-5 and it's a nice, smooth running, VERY powerful loco.  When my LHS had the Intermountain AC-12 (first run) it had a very poor top speed, about 25smph (actual AC's could do 70 in a pinch) and rode the tracks very rough.  Hopefully, Intermountain--a company that I like, BTW--can re-gear and improve the drive train with future releases.  The BLI is a model of one of the first 4-8-8-2's, so it has the 'flat' face, side mounted air pumps and FWH, while the Intermountain is a model of the later AC 8-12 series, with the streamlined cab, boiler-front mounted air pumps and newer Worthington FWH system.  But if you're fascinated by SP motive power, a Cab-forward is a Cab-forward, no matter what the designation. 

Tom