I already have two BLI locomotives and I am satisfied with the products and the service. Would you be comfortable with buying a refurbished item?
Do you know any special issue with the Light Pacific?
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
I have purchased four locomotives from the BLI refurbished listings and they all have performed just fine and looked "like-new" when I recieved them. BLI gives you a full warranty on the refurb items.
YMMV
I just posted a link th the refurb site pointing out a PRR Turbine S2 for just over $400.
I have a B&O "President" series light Pacific and the only flaw I have is the name on the cab doesn't match the engine number. IIRC mine is #5300 but the cab says President Madison, not Washington. I seem to recall that the traction tire was out-of-round as well. I don't remember if I repaired it but it would be a simple fix.
Regards, Ed
Regarding the appearance of a model, I am as picky as anyone you will meet.
I returned one factory refurbished Western Pacific 2-8-2 because the valve gear was not quite correctly assembled. I'm not sure if something was actually out of quarter, but the assembly was not right. They gave me my money back without any hassle at all.
I purchased and kept (for awhile, till my one son got bored with steam) two beautiful factory refurbished Y-6B 2-8-8-2's. They arrived looking every bit as good as brand new out of the box, and performed just fine, with no issues.
Now I run virtually all brass or brass hybrid. I probably would buy a factory refurbished brass hybrid from them, if necessary to get the engine I wanted.
I would have to say my overall experience with their servicing has been very good (includes warranty replacement of smoke unit and fan in a Santa Fe 4-8-4).
John
Purchased a refurbished Lt Pacific and am very satisfied with it.
Good luck,
Richard