I just bought a BLI J type and it is really a neat looking steam. I just wanted to share my excitement of my new steam engine. I find the BLI very easy to program too. I was not expecting this engine to be so big. I have a BLI SP 2-8-2 Mike and thought the J type would be a little bigger since it was a 4-8-4 but gosh it is much bigger than the mike. I have ran this on my track with very little issues. Since I have a small setup (5x9) I assumed I would have derailments. I only had one turn using flex track that needed a little adjustment. I find this engine to be very detailed with lighting in the cab of the engine plus the headlights. My other BLI mike does not have as good of features but still very fun.
I seem to be very fascinated by steam engines. I guess I am rambling but wanted to share. I will get a picture out soon. I have also learned why big steam is not a good idea on small layouts. I understand what you guys meant now about big steam on small layouts. This J type does run well and does not look silly but do not think a decapod or a larger steam will look great or work. Though I might still run one on my main line which fits on the outside edge of the 5x9 to get the largest turns possible. If you have any input or just want to give your please feel free. I am just getting into the hobby and thought I would share the news.
GTX,
Congratulations on getting the J1 Hudson! I'd eventually like to get one myself.
I'm not sure how well the T1 would work/look on smaller curvers. BLI plans on coming out with a 4-8-2 Mohawk sometime next year. That would be a handsome model along side your Hudson. (Course, I'm a bit biased - being a New York Central guy and all. ) The Mohawk is supposed to handle 22"R curves.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I have a J too, lovely loco. I have upgraded the chip to the new one from QSI and boy it made a difference.
Post some pics I'd love to see yours.
Ken.
I will put some pics on tomorrow night real late since i work. I am NOT adverting but if you want a J type trainworld has a sale on them for 189.99 with sound/DCC. Not sure if this is a good price.
Also where did you get that sound card and which one? Is it pricy?
It's an upgrade or replacement chip on the sound decoder. You can get it from QSI or an online vendor. Cost: $30 MSRP ($23-$24, discounted)
If yours is a newer run, you should probably double-check to see if you might already have the newer chip in your Hudson. I don't know for sure if BLI has included the newer chip in their newest runs or not. It's worth a check though.
GTX, I may have mispoken...were you talking about the Class J from Norfolk & Western or the J1/3 class Hudson from the NYC? A Hudson is not a Northern...the former is a 4-6-4 and the latter a 4-8-4.
The PRR Duplex is good on clean 24" curves. It cranks its engines grossly unprototypically on that radius, and matter of fact it doesn't look so hot at 28" either. It begins to look like it "belongs" above 34"...sorry. Also, there may only be a very few left for sale...you'll have to get help from some members here who know where you should ask.
Sorry, I needed to be more specific, it is a N & W 4-8-4 J type and it is real nice. I will have to debate the duplex, it could be to big for my 28 inch turns on my main line. Gosh I really want one too. Maybe someone will know or tried it
What number is on the box? mine is 076 (BLI stock number I think) #611 as it appears today.
It came with DCC/ sound.
Here is my trains information:
B1104 N&W Class J 609, as used in regular service, round tender deck, with sound, HO
not sure what the difference is other than the number. So how is yours running?
with the new chip, excellent. It has Bemf now which makes the action much smoother. I was disappointed with it when I bought it. Now I need the space to run it properly!!
Yup what Selector said and mine had a visible mechanical pause when it was running (worse in reverse) with BEMF it's virtually gone now, I blamed the gearbox and motor shaft end float.
selector wrote: The PRR Duplex is good on clean 24" curves. It cranks its engines grossly unprototypically on that radius, and matter of fact it doesn't look so hot at 28" either. It begins to look like it "belongs" above 34"...sorry. Also, there may only be a very few left for sale...you'll have to get help from some members here who know where you should ask.
Selector, is the model articulated? I thought the prototype had a rigid chassis. Is the wheelbase of the model such that it requires articulation?
Just wondering, I've never seen a model of the Duplex.
mls1621, I can only speak about the model I know, the BLI Duplex. It may very well be that brass models, as they come, are more restrictive in that regard, but I don't see how they would ever get around any layout with curves tighter than about 80". Anyway, the BLI model is articulated in both engines. You are correct that the prototype was a rigid engine, and that characteristic is what led to its name...duplex drive. At least, that is what I recall reading.
I would like to provide a little plug for BLI on this loco. I am of the opinion that they did an astounding job of providing something like this for the suggested price, and even better pricing here and there. The engine is quite nicely detailed, and it is a strong and reliable model. It does, because of its overall length, look every bit as bad on curves that are characterized as medium as do most of the larger articulate engines. This is a looooonnnggg combination of tender and engine....17" between the leading edges of each coupler! I have to run it over several curved Walthers/Shinohara #7.5 turnouts, and the loco will dutifully take the inner/tighter route. Its overhang and articulation are greatly exaggerated in such instances, so much so that I have to ignore that aspect of visual appeal when it takes place. It doesn't look right. The alternative, though, is to have it run on a huge layout, in which case it would have had no broad market appeal or utility.
Darned nice model. I took this image precisely to demonstrate how long and striking it really is.
I understand your acceptance of the overhangs and appearance on curves, I have a Challenger and a Big Boy in N scale and the curves do tend to break the illusion. Rear engine swinging out from under the boiler on curves has to be ignored.
But they sure are cool one the straights.
Here is some pics
Let me know what you think, My layout is only two months old so there is not alot of detail.
You can click on the pics and they will get bigger. You probably already know that. I hope you enjoy the pics from a newbie.
Yeah looking good.