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BLI Steam Engine

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  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: New Bern North Carolina
  • 124 posts
BLI Steam Engine
Posted by nickyb on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 6:54 PM

Hey Guys   I probably have asked this before but, my age is giving in.  I need to find an exploded view of my Class A 2-6-6-4.  Trying to clean and weather it.

NickyB

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 8:41 PM

Try hoseeker. The website.  They have lots of that type of resource downloadable.

  • Member since
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  • From: Denver, CO
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Posted by middleman on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 1:11 AM
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    September 2006
  • 411 posts
Posted by wobblinwheel on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 10:54 PM

I'd like to put a non-tire-equipped driver set in my original Paragon Class A. The tires are getting dry-rotted, and I'd rather not have them. Anybody ever tried to swap drivers on this thing?? It ain't "normal"!

Mike C.

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Thursday, March 6, 2014 12:03 AM

First, you can run it without the inserts, but it may get hung up a bit.  Or, once the remnants are removed, you can try Bull Frog Snot.   I also believe you can get replacements that will fit.

However, if I recall, some BLI Paragon engines came, in the pre-2006 days, with a regular flanged driver with metal tire for substitution if the owner wished to use it.  If an engine had blind drivers installed, often a regular driver set was included in those cases as well.  If yours has no substitutes, BLI may supply you with a pair on an axle if you ask. 

  • Member since
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  • 411 posts
Posted by wobblinwheel on Thursday, March 6, 2014 12:22 AM

There were no "tireless" drivers included with this loco, as these driver sets appear NOT to be removable. Even after removing the bottom covers, the axles can't be lifted out. Seems really odd how this thing was made! Looks like the wheels would have to be pulled from the axles in order to be replaced. Good way to keep everything in line, but would be slow to assemble during manufacture. Good old KOREAN quality! Wonder if the new-fangled CHINESE versions are different? I wonder if the wheel-to-axle set-up is made in such a way to preserve quartering?

Mike C.

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: New Bern North Carolina
  • 124 posts
Posted by nickyb on Thursday, March 6, 2014 11:00 AM

My oringinal Class A came with an extra set of non tired wheels. It is rather simple to remove. Just make real sure you remember where and how the driver rods were aligned it is real easy to misalign. Before you remove the bottom cover remove the diver rods I removed the screw than I used a paper clip to keep the rods in their original position. Now you can pull out the driver set you want and replace. If yours did not come with an extra set call BLI they will be more than happy to send you one. I have had my Class A completely disambled and gone thru every gear and wire to fix a problem. Have fun. Their the best Steamers in my opinion. If you have trouble e-mail me at nickyb65@tcbnb.com I can send pics on how I did it.

NickyB

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • 411 posts
Posted by wobblinwheel on Thursday, March 6, 2014 12:20 PM

Nickyb, if you can lift out your drivers after removing the bottom cover, then you DON'T have an ORIGINAL PARAGON (not "2") Class A! When did you buy yours? Does it say "MADE IN CHINA" on there anywhere? All of the ORIGINAL BLI and PCM sound-equipped locos were made in KOREA! That is why their QUALITY was so superior to the crap they're importing now. In order to remove ANY driver from my locomotive, the wheels would have to be PULLED FROM THEIR AXLES! The axles go thru HOLES IN THE CHASSIS, NOT SLOTS like the newer ones. BLI included new TIRES, but NOT DRIVERS! They will tell you at BLI that the drivers on the ORIGINAL CLASS A are NOT REMOVABLE! Of course they are, but not easily. I was wondering if anyone had done it, as the only way would be to get drive wheels matching the rear set on the FRONT engine group (no gear) and press them onto the rear axles, which would involve "quartering" unless the axle ends are shaped as to only go on ONE WAY. I was looking for information involving MY model, NOT THE NEWER VERSIONS! Y'all with me yet?

Mike C.

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: New Bern North Carolina
  • 124 posts
Posted by nickyb on Thursday, March 6, 2014 4:47 PM

Well wrong again. I think it's amazing how a person can be so wrong for so long. Everything I have mentioned on this forum you always seem to get somekind of critical response. This is one of the reasons I am leaving this hobby. The old days are so long and forgotten. At least then you learned something. You gentlemen have a good time with your hobby . You'll never hear a word from me again. Also, I wouldn't encourage anyone to join this hobby either.

NickyB

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 53 posts
Posted by Greybeard on Thursday, March 6, 2014 7:32 PM
wobblinwheel, the use of caps is the internet equivalent of screaming. It's crude, disrespectful and unnecessary. A single word can be capitalized for emphasis, the whole phrase only transmits disdain.
  • Member since
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  • 411 posts
Posted by wobblinwheel on Thursday, March 6, 2014 9:29 PM

surely not screaming. the caps were for emphasis, as i had stated everything i emphasised in a previous post. not so up on this internet etiquete. when i went to school, capitalization used in written text indicated emphasis. of course i went to school before school became a joke in this country. went to private school, graduated in 1971. actually learned some stuff. anyway, regarding the locomotive, (are commas ok?) just look at the diagram located in this thread. it's clear the drivers can't be lifted from the engine chassis. i know help was offered, but unfortunately for the wrong article. sorry i offended someone for "yelling" (are quotation marks ok?) didn't know i was. not using caps anymore, just to be on the "safe side". maybe i need to go "back to school". should be a breeze......

Mike C.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 53 posts
Posted by Greybeard on Thursday, March 6, 2014 11:05 PM

wobblinwheel
graduated in 1971

Twelve years after I did.

wobblinwheel
it's clear the drivers can't be lifted from the engine chassis.

So buy a wheel puller and pull it, no big deal.  I think MicroMart used to sell them.  I made mine.

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • 411 posts
Posted by wobblinwheel on Friday, March 7, 2014 1:59 AM

I'll probably make one too, when these tires fall off. Looks like it won't be long. Finding wheels is the next project. This thing has been out of production since who-knows-when! Maybe BLI still has them (if they ever did). Then the quartering issue.......it would be interesting if the wheels & axles are "indexed" or something so they go on only one way. That was the reason for my original question, before things got twisted out of whack!

Mike C.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Friday, March 7, 2014 2:30 AM

Nickyb,

Hopefully You will change your mind about leaving, sometimes people get over zealous in some ways, trying to get their own questions answered, in this case it appears that's what happened. We call it  Hijacking a Thread. You were the original thread starter, therefore, You absolutely did nothing wrong, in my opinion, You were only trying to help someone else, aside from it being your thread.

I'm 72yrs old myself, but what do I know?

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Friday, March 7, 2014 4:10 AM

So, wait a minute.  This guy is leaving the hobby because someone wrote a reply on the forum in caps???

I don't think that wobblinwheel hijacked anything.   When I read this thread from beginning to end, it is about as civil as any thread on the forum.

I think we have all been cooped up inside over a very long winter of snow and cold.

Everybody's nerves seems to be getting frayed.  Some guy on another thread got mad at me because I was trying to help him with a reverse loop and I asked him repeatedly for more information.  He took exception and told me that I was the worst thing to ever happen to the forum.  Go figure.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 5,449 posts
Posted by mobilman44 on Friday, March 7, 2014 5:47 AM

My friends, I suspect most of you all are suffering from cabin fever.  

Relax, the winter weather and snow remnants will be gone in no time - probably as soon as July!

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Friday, March 7, 2014 5:49 AM

mobilman44

My friends, I suspect most of you all are suffering from cabin fever.  

Relax, the winter weather and snow remnants will be gone in no time - probably as soon as July!

 

A bit optimistic, don't you think?   Laugh

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 7, 2014 6:12 AM

We are having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave ... Whistling

We did not have much of a Winter at this end of the Big Pond, temperatures are up to 14°C today, and are expected to reach 20°C on the weekend. Most unusual for this time of the year!

The OP surely has a thin skin - I did not see any offensive or abusive post in this thread.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Out on the Briny Ocean Tossed
  • 4,240 posts
Posted by Fergmiester on Friday, March 7, 2014 6:41 AM

Sir Madog

We are having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave ... Whistling

We did not have much of a Winter at this end of the Big Pond, temperatures are up to 14°C today, and are expected to reach 20°C on the weekend. Most unusual for this time of the year!

The OP surely has a thin skin - I did not see any offensive or abusive post in this thread.

 

Ya know... some might find this offensive and want to hurt you! Yes rub the salt into the wound and plenty of it as the road crews have dumped it everywhere! Personally I'm hoping to get more skiing in, avoid "Farch" (Feb/March blahs) and wake up one morning and say Hey it's Spring!
  • As for this post, yes as pointed out there alternatives out there like snot and after market "tires". And yes BLI normally did supply us with a choice of wheels with and without, Wish my Rivarossi Alliegheny came with that option!
  • http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

    If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

    • Member since
      January 2010
    • From: Denver, CO
    • 3,576 posts
    Posted by Motley on Friday, March 7, 2014 9:07 AM

    Yes something is a miss lately, with everybody getting offended easily. I made a comment in a different thread about "being under a rock", and he was offended.

    Cabin fever for sure, its been a bad nasty winter for most of the country.

    Michael


    CEO-
    Mile-HI-Railroad
    Prototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989

    • Member since
      September 2006
    • 411 posts
    Posted by wobblinwheel on Friday, March 7, 2014 11:18 AM

    Now this is entertaining! Talkin' about "hijacking a thread"! Now what's a "BLI Class A"? Ha Ha!! Love it!

    Mike C.

    • Member since
      January 2014
    • 53 posts
    Posted by Greybeard on Friday, March 7, 2014 11:31 AM

    Motley
    Yes something is a miss lately, with everybody getting offended easily. I made a comment in a different thread about "being under a rock", and he was offended.

    I have my suspicions that perhaps the OP was already pushed to the edge with trying to defend himself from constant criticism, which cannot be justified anywhere.  I've been in that position with the local RC aircraft club, and I was one of the original members.  It didn't take much, just the comment that I was flying so high "I can't even see it".  A split S from 150 feet into the ground at full throttle, pick up the pieces, go home and never return.  Ten years of constant criticism for the way I flew, the planes I flew, the engines I used, all that gone in a split second at impact.  I had flown that plane for three years, the guy making the comment at that time never flew one season without having to build another plane.  "Okay, now you don't have to look at it."  For the same reason, nobody saw my layout, and nobody else will see the one I'm making benchwork for now.  When someone is on the edge anyhow, it doesn't take much.

    • Member since
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    • 411 posts
    Posted by wobblinwheel on Friday, March 7, 2014 11:31 AM

    On a little more "serious" note: Back then, I can't remember the exact year, when Broadway Limited Imports first started the "operate in silence no more" thing, it seems the Hudson and the A Class were their first two "notable" offerings. Both winning MR's "Model of the Year" award. I also think they both came with tires installed. I seem to remember at that time a lot of People saying they did not like, or downright despised traction tires! Soon after these offerings, BLI (and other manufacturers) started to include "user-changeable" drivers without the dreaded tires. My Class A (what is that?) was obviously produced before the "trend". The "A" was actually somewhat of a "trend setter" methinks. Too many "quotation marks"? tee hee.......

    Mike C.

    • Member since
      September 2006
    • 411 posts
    Posted by wobblinwheel on Friday, March 7, 2014 11:39 AM

    We do seem to be a "sensive" lot these days. No need to get "sensitive", get LOUD!! Uh oh, I did it again......

    Mike C.

    • Member since
      January 2014
    • 53 posts
    Posted by Greybeard on Friday, March 7, 2014 12:42 PM

    Going to ask, who gives a hoot what some magazine editor gave BLI?  Does that mean I should accept road names that I have less than zero interest in?  I have one BLI, can't run it, don't have and won't have DCC.  "Silence?"  The same as bliss to me.  The 4-8-4 I have, sitting in the box yet, waiting until I get time to take all the crap out of the tender and toss it.  Same for the Mantua articulated loggers I have, junk in them that has to come out.

    But, remember, it's my hobby, not yours.  Umm, no.  I don't have any use for the loggers either, just neat looking locos.  Shelf models.  The OP had his question answered, you hijacked the thread, then when his answer to you didn't fit your outdated model, you ripped him.  That has no place in a forum.

    • Member since
      September 2003
    • From: Southeast Texas
    • 5,449 posts
    Posted by mobilman44 on Friday, March 7, 2014 12:56 PM

    Ok folks, some of us need to accept the fact that our locos may have problems that we just can't fix - no matter how much good advice and guidance is given.  

    Soooo, there is a fairly simple answer.    Write/Call BLI and ask for a work order number so you can send in you loco for repair.  Yes, it will cost you monies for the repair (flat rate for steam, another for diesel), and the shipping costs to BLI. 

    They will fix it, fairly fast (in my experience), and you will have a working loco back in no time.  

    I suggest this is a much better avenue to travel than getting youself all worked up over something you can't handle.

    Yes, I've done it 3 times over the years - all well worth it.

     

    ENJOY  !

     

    Mobilman44

     

    Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

    • Member since
      January 2008
    • From: Big Blackfoot River
    • 2,788 posts
    Posted by Geared Steam on Friday, March 7, 2014 5:58 PM

    richhotrain

    So, wait a minute.  This guy is leaving the hobby because someone wrote a reply on the forum in caps???

    I don't think that wobblinwheel hijacked anything.   When I read this thread from beginning to end, it is about as civil as any thread on the forum.

    I think we have all been cooped up inside over a very long winter of snow and cold.

    Everybody's nerves seems to be getting frayed.  Some guy on another thread got mad at me because I was trying to help him with a reverse loop and I asked him repeatedly for more information.  He took exception and told me that I was the worst thing to ever happen to the forum.  Go figure.

    Rich

     

    Rich

    I'm offended and take exception to the fact that you repeated a story about someone else who has taken exception to you, now two peeps are excepted....... Darn you!!!!!

     

    "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

    http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

    • Member since
      September 2004
    • From: Dearborn Station
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    Posted by richhotrain on Friday, March 7, 2014 6:05 PM

    Geared Steam
     

    Rich

    I'm offended and take exception to the fact that you repeated a story about someone else who has taken exception to you, now two peeps are excepted....... Darn you!!!!!

     

     

    All right, Big Blackfoot, I am getting a little tired hearing from you.  What trees do you plant???    Super Angry

    Rich

    Alton Junction

    • Member since
      September 2006
    • 411 posts
    Posted by wobblinwheel on Friday, March 7, 2014 8:57 PM

    Greybeard, you seem a bit bitter. Reminds me of an old saying: "Better to be silent, and thought of as a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt".

    Mike C.

    • Member since
      September 2004
    • From: Dearborn Station
    • 24,281 posts
    Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, March 8, 2014 4:13 AM

    GS?   Stick out tongue

    Alton Junction

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