Broadway Limited Diesel Engines..Any good?

[Driline]

I'm considering purchasing a Broadway Limited SD40-2 in the Soo livery with DCC and quantum sound for $149.99.

But, how does the quality of both fit and finish compare to Atlas or Kato? If its more like an athearn, then I probably won't buy.

Thanks....

[Anonymous]

I would rate BLI better than any of the other brands you mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Go for it, Kato and Atlas run better but BLI engines are very nice nonetheless. My AC6000 ran pretty jerkily, but disabling analog conversion mode helped a lot. I dont know if the SD40s have the same problem. My AC6000 is also a super puller, only gripe is the bottom mounted speakers which pick up spikes at the club all the time. The SD40 speakers arent mounted that way so its not a problem for you. Now, I do think that overall my Spectrum that I installed Loksound in is better, but BLI diesels are nice indeed.

[Anonymous]

Go for it, Kato and Atlas run better but BLI engines are very nice nonetheless. My AC6000 ran pretty jerkily, but disabling analog conversion mode helped a lot. I dont know if the SD40s have the same problem. My AC6000 is also a super puller, only gripe is the bottom mounted speakers which pick up spikes at the club all the time. The SD40 speakers arent mounted that way so its not a problem for you. Now, I do think that overall my Spectrum that I installed Loksound in is better, but BLI diesels are nice indeed.

I'm totally DCC nowadays and hadn't thought of that, but yes, if you disable the analog mode, that will make almost any engine run better in my experience. Many of the dual-mode locos are not impressive in DC mode...

[Anonymous]

You can get a SD40-2 <with> sound for $150? Their web site shows the sound-equipped ones at $250.

Does having analog mode enabled affect it's DCC performance?

[Soo Line fan]

But, how does the quality of both fit and finish compare to Atlas or Kato?

I would rate the shell behind both Athearn and Kato. I have 4 of the Kato SOO units and like them. I did replace the SOO font on the side of the hood but it was an easy fix, just decal over the original one. Go to a LHS and take a good look for yourself. The ones I saw did not impress me. The class lights and handrails look too large. This has been discussed before. If you search the achieves, you will find some other discussions on the subject. Here is a start: http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/385272/ShowPost.aspx

 

Jim

[Driline]

You can get a SD40-2 <with> sound for $150? Their web site shows the sound-equipped ones at $250.

Does having analog mode enabled affect it's DCC performance?

You can get it for $149.99 at "Trainhaus" on ebay. Nobody ever pays full retail

[Driline]

But, how does the quality of both fit and finish compare to Atlas or Kato?

I would rate the shell behind both Athearn and Kato. I have 4 of the Kato SOO units and like them. I did replace the SOO font on the side of the hood but it was an easy fix, just decal over the original one. Go to a LHS and take a good look for yourself. The ones I saw did not impress me. The class lights and handrails look too large. This has been discussed before. If you search the achieves, you will find some other discussions on the subject. Here is a start: http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/385272/ShowPost.aspx

 

Jim

Thats good enough for me. I guess I won't be buying a BLI loco. I'll stick with Atlas,Kato,Proto2000, and Bachmann Spectrum.

I was hoping Atlas' new Gp-7' in the Soo livery would be a DCC sound equiped loco, but it looks like they're only going to offer it in the silver series. Too bad.

I wish more loco manufactureres would include the sound option instead of us having to file away to make room for it. Although it does add quite a bit to the cost. But you would add that anyway purchasing your own sound decoder.

[Anonymous]

I have a BLI 2-8-4 Mountain that is A#1.  I'm trying to save up to buy a BLI SD-40-2 myself.  From all the reviews I've read they are 1st rate.  I have a Kato SD-40-2 that runs like a top, but there is little room to add sound.  I may order a low cost Soundtraxx decoder and see if it will work.  If not I can always use it in another diesel like my Athearn tunnel motor.  Tweet

[Anonymous]

An alternative to look at is the Atlas dash 8 with sound. It has the same QSI sound, and its an Atlas so you get the superior performance and detail. You will likely pay at least $200 for it though.

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of BLI NW2 switchers on order and am considering additional BLI engines for 2007.

I am primarily big steam with BLI seeing that thier products pull really well which is tops in my book.

The only other Desiels on my roster is a pair of Atlas RS-1's without sound. If BLI ever produced RS-1's with DCC and sound, I will buy a pair on sight.

The crown Jewel in my Roster is a BLI Set of F units in the ABBA formation. (B&O) working together they are capable of astounding drawbar pull and just flat puts a smile on this old man's face when they rev up and go to work.

I have two LHS's here in Arkansas that are First Class and enjoy good discounts. One Track Mind is one and Hobby Shack is the other. Between those two I can usually find the right engine at the right time.

[SOU Fan]

I ran a BLI RSD-15 at the club a couple weeks ago and it was awesome.  Sound was good, detail was good and it was pulling 15-20 cars up a slight grade.  I'm going to get a Sd40-2 High Hood when it comes out.

 

-dekruif

[jacon12]

I have only BLI and P2K dcc sound engines, 3 or 4 BLI and likewise with P2K and I'd rate them about the same.  As far as sound goes the BLI B30-7 as the best of any of them.  I didn't think it was possible to get that deep a gutteral sound from those little speakers and the horn is excellent.  The sound on my BLI SD40-2 isn't as good, but it's still better than some makes I've heard.

I've learned in this hobby that you can get bum BLI's, P2Ks, Bachmanns, Atlas... doesn't matter.  You can also get GREAT ones.  Probably in the Atlas and BLI's and P2Ks you're more likely to get a good one.

Jarrell

[Anonymous]

I had a few bums from several makers but BLI did shine in one area. Hassle-free and fix-it right customer service. I wrote off my Reading T-1 after seeing it limp like a stuck duck but they returned it to me in great shape.

[Medina1128]

Sounds like someone in your club needs to make a magnet car.

[Anonymous]

Or Horseshoe Cars. =)