So ...... What About Those BLI SD-40-2's?

[Anonymous]

Its been a long time since they were released. I would think that a number of people have them.

I've read lots of complaints about the details of the body .... size of the grab irons, etc.

Does anyone have one or more of them, and run them, and like them? Do they perform well? Did BLI do a good job designing things to fit the QSI sound system?

Sometimes, on forums and other places, you only hear about the bad stuff. Maybe like the nightly news only reporting on the bad stuff in Iraq.

Thanks
Ken

[AntonioFP45]

O.K, Kenny

I'll try and stay objective.

I went with a friend to the Suncoast Model Railroader's Club. Several of sound equipped locomotives were running. A gentleman was running an Atlas HO GE Santa Fe unit with QSI sound. He was also running a BLI SD40-2. They both sounded NICE!

However, I saw that the gentlemen was upset. He told me that the Atlas unit was cheaper and yet gave him no problems but the BLI unit continued to give him electrical problems. The locomotive kept stalling on the track. The club uses NCE "wireless" so I'm not sure but it may have been a problem with the unit receiving the signal and following the programmed commands.

As for the SD40-2, to me, it's not a bad looking unit. I would change out the "chicken wire" grill and replace it with the standard grill that most protoype units came with. I wouldn't mind owning one.

One thing I've said about BLI diesels before is that we're paying the $200+ price tag for the sound. However, we now have Proto 2000 units and Atlas locomotives coming equipped with QSI sound. Both have superior detailing and comparable or even lower prices! This presents a problem for BLI as modelers today are more demanding since Atlas and LifeLike set the standard to beat!

It's costly, but BLI may have to reinvest into superior tooling for its diesel locomotive lines. (though they did a nice job on the BLI E7).

I hope BLI does what it needs to do. They made a big splash onto the market, but they can quickly lose their market share if they sit and sleep for too long!

[NZRMac]

I've two, they are nicely detailed (to me anyway) they do like a really clean track or they stall and run jerky, I've recently emailed BLI and had a nasty responce but I think I've sorted them out (not the 2-8-2 tho) I like them nice big strong looking diesels!

Ken.

[Anonymous]

BLI SD40-2: poor detail (just above Athearn BB level), WRONG sound (they used a Geep!). Not worth the money.

I'm waiting for Kato to re-issue these (by then, Kato will have sound, too, I bet!).

Meanwhile, I will stick with my Athearn BB.

[csxns]

I have one and another one comeing the one runs with my two Atlas 8-40CW's great.The BLI unit by its self running at half speed is louder than the sound i wonted another BLI to run with the one i allready have to keep the EMD's seperate from the GE's.

[mustanggt]

I saw one at my LHS and I thought it was an old bachmann loco, the kind with the blinking beacon.
Upon closer inspection, I saw the big (red?) BLI box underneath, and it took me a few seconds to figure out it was indeed a BLI.
I'm not putting down BLI, its just that I have bad vision for a 16 year old!

I would buy one though, if it was an engine I want. like an F40PH, or a GP40-2

[Anonymous]

BLI steamers are the bees knees when It comes to sound, amazing sounding. Unqiue sounds for each steamer.

The Diesels have a generic EMD sound. BLargh. It still sounds good but a SD-40-2 doesnt sound the same as a SW7.

[Anonymous]

I will try to be nice and say that I am very disapointed with the SD40-2 form Broadway. The details and paint to me were very poor, they reminded me of the one that Bachman did a few years ago. To me it looks like the doors are too thick and "stand" off the body too far, as well as the intake and radiator grills are very poor looking. As for the sound the units I heard running all sounded like a GP-7 and nothing like a tubrocharged 645 EMD. I will add that I have not been very impressed with any of the sound equiped diesels. Unless you are running flatout in the desert a diesel gets up and down on their govenor to maintain the desired speed causing a up and down sound form the engine and this to me has not yet been duplicaited in the models. If you are going to spend that much for a loco with sound I would want it to sound prototypical. But hey thats just me.

[NZRMac]

I don't know what a Geep sounds like and they are worth the money in New Zealand!! If I bought them thru my LHS they would be $700NZ I paid $300!!

I still like 'em

Ken.

[AntonioFP45]

O.K guys,

Regarding the horns. You have to remember that horn use varies with railroad practices and not the locomotive.

For example. CSX tends to use the K5LA horn on General Electric and EMD locomotives. I've heard GP40s and AC60s with the K5.

Other railroads will use 3 chime horns on switchers and 5 chimers on road engines. Still others will have a variety among the same type of locomotive.

Check out this link:

http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns

[Anonymous]

So, did BLI use the wrong QSI sound chip?

Do other manufacturers that use QSI sound chips have the correct sound in their models?

Or, does QSI only have a GP-like sound chip?

Thanks
Ken

[nfmisso]

See the May issue of Model Railroader.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kenny2005

So, did BLI use the wrong QSI sound chip?

Do other manufacturers that use QSI sound chips have the correct sound in their models?

Or, does QSI only have a GP-like sound chip?

Thanks
Ken

Yes, yes, and no.

P2K and Atlas are working with QSI to get more correct sounds in their models.
BLI can't be bothered.


Guess who gets MY money ???

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gbailey

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kenny2005

So, did BLI use the wrong QSI sound chip?

Do other manufacturers that use QSI sound chips have the correct sound in their models?

Or, does QSI only have a GP-like sound chip?

Thanks
Ken

Yes, yes, and no.

P2K and Atlas are working with QSI to get more correct sounds in their models.
BLI can't be bothered.


Guess who gets MY money ???

I have to agree with who get my money. It is the one with the best detail and sound quality, and that is Atlas right now. I just received three new 8-40CW's and they really are fun to listen to and watch run. The detail is great and they are worth the money.

BLI lost their dhief founder a few months ago because of some major money problems and experienced many delays on the scheduled products. The SD40-2 was late in coming and the switcher was delayed many months. Many of the steam engines are almost one year late. If you check their web page, they are now moving their location, but I hope they will be able to keep on bringing in good models. As for my money, the SD40-2 is not worth the money if you can wait on a better model from another company.

If you remember a few months ago, BLI had a big blow out sale and raised cash by discounting almost all of the remaining stock to pay for the incoming models. Maybe they will do that again, since the SD40-2 models are on the shelves.

[selector]

I just contacted BLI about my Hudson that suddenly stopped running. I cleaned the wheels and contacts (broke a tine), attempted a reset, and checked the power source to make sure I had power to the track. Loco would not move or squeek. Then I realized that I had neglected to send in the warranty card due "30 days after purchase." Gulp.

I contacted them by e-mail this afternoon, and two hours later had a reply. Send it in, they said, with $7.00 return postage, and send in the warranty. It's not too late.

I guess every manufacturer has their warranty issues, but I am pleased to say that BLI stands by their product, were quick to get back, and were flexible about my non-conformance with their registration policy of 30 days. And, I really like that Hudson. Now, if I could just afford a K-4....

[AntonioFP45]

Forgot to mention,

regarding BLI's "Diesel" engine or sounds on their EMD locomotives.

Prototype EMD:

Switchers: SW-1 through 9, NW-2, TR-2,
Carbody Units: FT, F3 thru F9, BL2, E3 thru E9.
Hood Units: GP7 thru GP35, SD7 thru SD35,

These all use the famous 567 series diesel. Basically they sound the same with minor variations due to governors, generators, etc. E units came with two 567 diesels under the carbody.

EMD SW1500, GP and SD 38, 39, 40, 40X, 45, and Dash 2s use the 645 series diesel. Again, minor variations due to some mechanical components, especially the Tunnel Motors, but the BASIC EMD turbo charged whine is the same! Oh BTW, the 38 series was non-turbo.

So in a nutshell BLI just has to be consistent with the prime mover sounds. I listened to the sound sample of the new switcher. Defintely a 567, hands down! The E7 by far, sounds the best as you can hear the dual 567s.

I must admit that on the BLI SD40-2, the turbo whine is not well pronounced. The engine almost sounds like a 567 rather than a 645. Unless, the recording came from a GP or SD38. I doubt it though, as the air aspirated 567 has a louder and slightly lower toned exhaust sound than a non-turbo 645 diesel engine.

As for the horns, we can't nit pick too much as they will vary according to the railroad.
Check out the thread above I posted on horns and click on the link.

Peace!

[trainboyH16-44]

Yeah, the 38s weren't turbocharged.
Trainboy

[Anonymous]

Prototype diesels dont hunt up and down do to govenors, but due to the engineer changing thottle notches, from idle thru run 8. Railroads are very strict about speeding and even 1mph over can be grounds for termination. The only time a govenor holds back a diesel's rpm is in run 8 and it will just stay right at the high rpm, it wont flucituate. I agree EMD's thru the sd-40 series have a pronounced turbo wine, once the sd50/60 series came out the turbo wine, while pronounced is different from the older units, espicaly at idle. I hope somebody gets the turbo wine correct, nothing like a quartet of sd40-2's cresting boseman pass on the MRL in full roar!! Cheers Mike

[Anonymous]

In a nutshell, They SUCK!!!!
Way over priced, poor detailing, and all the sounds of a GP-9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Like someone else said, they look like the old AHM SD-40's of 20 years ago.
They should have a price of no more than $39.95. Even at that, I still wouldn't buy one!
gtirr

[trainboyH16-44]

What is with people bashing them? The MR review says they're good, and I saw one in person, and I say that they look almost as good as a Kato. The MR review says that they can pull sixtysomething cars on straight and level track, about the same as Katos SD90, but people say they're weak. WHAT IS WITH ALL YOU PEOPLE?
Trainboy

[Anonymous]

I agree, TrainBoy. I honestly don't think they look that bad. And, from what I've heard, it's the GP9 that has the incorrect sound. The BLI SD40-2 does have the correct decoder.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

I agree, TrainBoy. I honestly don't think they look that bad. And, from what I've heard, it's the GP9 that has the incorrect sound. The BLI SD40-2 does have the correct decoder.

Hello 4884BigBoy,

No disrespect intended but I have to disagree with you. As a teen I spent many hours around prototype EMD Geeps and Switchers. I took photos and made tape recordings back in the late 70s-early 80s.

The HO GP9's sound is very close to the prototype. The BLI SD40-2, while it sounds "dynamic" and clear, lacks the distinctive Turbo Charger sound that's the trademark signature of most 645 diesel equipped EMDs.

LGBF7,

Actually, Soundtraxx did get the 645 EMD sound correct. Just go to their website and listen to the sound samples of the EMD Dash 2s. The Turbo's whine is quite noticeable. [8D][;)]

Now, if they would just hurry up and bring out the Tsunami!.........................[:p]

[Anonymous]

Actually, as MR reviews go, it was fairly negative ... and should have been MORE negative, IMHO. You have to read between the lines with MR reviews. MR should take some lessons from CU to do a better job of making fair but honest reports.

I have quit "listening" to the MR report verbage and concentrate on the stats/graphs.
I know many folk who have given up on MR's reports altogether. If they don't improve them, they are going to lose more subscriptions. They have lost mine.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gbailey

Actually, as MR reviews go, it was fairly negative ... and should have been MORE negative, IMHO. You have to read between the lines with MR reviews. MR should take some lessons from CU to do a better job of making fair but honest reports.

I have quit "listening" to the MR report verbage and concentrate on the stats/graphs.
I know many folk who have given up on MR's reports altogether. If they don't improve them, they are going to lose more subscriptions. They have lost mine.

GBailey,

Wow! More negative? What about the unit was more negative? Sorry to read that you no longer subscribe to MR. I've switched to RMC, but I find myself missing MR.

But your point should be well taken.

Regardless whether positive or negative, straightforward and honest feedback is always good to read. Persons thinking about purchasing the product in question would likely appreciate reading the "Pros and Con" of it.

I've always thought that MR roduct reviews were rather impartial. I'll pay more close attention.

[;)]

[jacon12]

I don't know much about the prototype so maybe someone can tell me that does. Are the grabirons and siderails this big on the real engine..

The sound reminds me of my P2k GP-9i..
http://www.broadway-limited.com/ho_102.mp3
except the Gp's bell is much slower.
Jacon

[NZRMac]

I thought I was in for one of those "I wish I hadn't bought this" feelings when I saw MR were doing a review on the BLI SD40-2's. But it wasn't that bad.

Mayby things could be better but I really don't care if the grab irons look to big, these loco's pull my coal hoppers (12 each) around my layout (which I have to keep super clean or they will stall/jerk) and they look fantastic.

I love my SD's wouldn't go back now.

Just my thoughts!!!

Ken.

[Anonymous]

How do the Atlas 8-40CW's QSI perform on DC powered track ?

[mustanggt]

I got the issue last week and read the review... I thought It was fair. They noted several flaws, but the soft (chunky) detailing was the only one that I thought stood out. In my opinion, the shell is equal to Athearns.

[CPPedler]

I thought I would wait awhile before I answered this subject , I bought the HELM version at the Springfield Show back in January. I have run it on my DCC layout on its own and not in a consist. It seems to perform well both on the main line with plenty of muscle and switching with good fine control and slow running . It does need very clean track though. As for the sound , I was quite surprised at the level of the output at the factory setting, so much that I had to turn it down considerably . It sounds to me like what it should sound like, as I don't live in the States I have nothing to compare it with , I think there is some turbo whine but not quite enough. Turning to the visual side of it , I think the hand rails are a bit on the heavy side as are the hinges on the battery boxes and the hood doors, the grills could be finer. The trucks look O.K. but not as detailed as I would have expected.
Overall its not a bad model and as someone else has remarked you are really paying for the sound system but Broadway should be looking for finer detail .
Today I ran it on a friends DC layout and once we had figured out how to work the horn and bell it ran well and hauled forty boxcars quite easily.
Would I by another Broadway diesel ?? I await the AC6000 with anticipation, I only hope that the detail is finer and that the ditch lights can be made operate correctly , also the correct sound of the big G.E. loco's,we shall have to wait and see!!!! CPPedler

[AntonioFP45]

Hey guys

Regarding the turbo whine of the EMD 645 diesel.

Try this link: http://www.soundtraxx.com/dcc/sound.html

This is the sound samples page from Soundtraxx. When you get to the page, on the diesel sound samples click on sound sample #825227, the one with the M3 horn. Try not to listen to the bell or horn, concentrate on the sound of the diesel itself. You will hear that distinctive turbocharger whine that's being referred to .

That's the same whine I used to hear from those hulking Amtrak SDP40fs back in the 70s when I used to hang around Tampa Union Station. Though, the horns the SDPs used were the SL4T (later K5LA). Wonderful memories for me!

Hope this helps!