BLI Steam Engines

[don7]

I have a couple of BLI steamers from the original Paragon series with Quantum sound. The engines have performed well for me and I have had no problems.

I would like to obtain a couple more of the BLI steamers, in particular Mikado engines.

I just found out a hobby shop in the area has a couple of Mikado's from the Paragon series. These engines are the same price as the new Blueline series. Which engine would be recommended by those familar with the BLI steam engines? 

[twhite]

Don--

I'll be honest, as a strictly DC modeler, the BLI/PCM/Blueline thing has me totally confused.  I have some earlier BLI steamers with Quantum Sound--including the USRA Mikado--and though I like them, I don't run them any more since they take so much voltage to get going--7 to 9 volts, I cannot run them with my other pure DC power.  I do know that the sound quality of the BLI's I have is really superb, and VERY controllable on my DC power.  But it's just not worth it to me to try and run the BLI's (which are not for the railroads I model to begin with) with my largely brass DC steamers (which are FOR the railroads I model). 

However, from what I've observed on this Forum, and heard from fellow modelers, the older BLI Paragon series seems to be by far, the most trouble-free.  I certainly know that the sound is superior to the recent Blue-Line locos I've experienced being run at my LHS. 

So, I'd go with the Paragon, just from that information.  I know that my USRA Paragon heavy 2-8-2 is a fine puller and a smooth runner, and the sound is excellent, at least IMO.  Now if I could only get the little devil to turn a wheel at 1-1/2 volts DC, I'd be pretty happy with it, LOL!

Tom

[selector]

The Paragon and Blueline are supposed to have the same level of detailing.  The only difference is that there is no DCC decoder in the Blueline, and I have read (only) that the number boards do not light on the Blueline series...or some of them.  I tend to agree with David that if you are looking at the same original version of the QSI that is in my earlier J1d Hudson, your chuff rate will rapidly get out of synch much above about 20 scale mph.  In that respect, the cam will be more accurate.  On the other hand, it is also a mechanical device that is one more thing that will eventually let go.  Also, you must add a second motive decoder to the Blueline if you are going to operate it in DCC.  What to do?

[don7]

Thanks for the opinions. As I am in the process of switching over to a DCC operation I have opted for the Paragon with DCC and Quantam sound units.

 

[MudHen_462]

I have been running a BLI Paragon 2-8-2 for about 4 years now, and it is a great runner with excellent sound. I have not had one problem with it... including the sync.  Good luck & have fun...

 Bob/IronGoat

[GTX765]

I have the same engine as you and also have purchased the blueline series. I like them both, blueline has the light and heavy mike's coming out real soon. I pre-ordered the green SRR engine. My original mike from BLI is also great and the bluelines are ready to roll with DC. Only DCC you have to add a decoder and the Paragons and the Original Broadways are ready for DCC out of the box. I have bought alot of BLI stuff cause its cheaper and they make models no one else is making.