BLI USRA Heavy

[jbloch]

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,

Jim

[wjstix]

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. 

[jbloch]

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

[orsonroy]

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.

 

[simon1966]

I have a pair of these and aside from a short in the tender of one they have been great.  They are from the Paragon Powerhouse (Thanks Tom, my mistake)line of BLI models which means that they are not as detailed as some.  Much of the piping is molded on rather than applied separately.  I have been very happy with mine.

[Anonymous]

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.

[twhite]

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

[davekelly]

Totally in love with my two BLI heavy mikes.  Picked them up on eBay for something like 140 each.  Not the most detailed engines in the modeling world, but not the most expensive either.  For the price I think they are pretty good bang for the buck.