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BLI HO GG1 - lead trucks keep derailing, other little issues with BLI in general
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<p>Yes - another GG1 thread. :^) </p><p>I run my BLI GG1 strictly on a club Digitrax DCC layout (no 18' radius turns, so I don't have that problem), but notice that the lead trucks on the GG1 will jump off track for really no apparent reason. I've check the tracks, they're smooth and to NMRA specs. The lead trucks appear to NMRA specs as well when I check them with the guage. I've watched the GG1 roll past on a clear straight section of track (no switches, stray ballast) and the lead truck just pops off the rail.</p><p>I know the GG1s are touchy about track, cheap switches, and rail grime .... but if anyone has any ideas on how to keep the lead truck from jumping I'm open to them.</p><p>Now - BLI in general has raised my eyebrow though. So far, the last couple BLI locomotives I have purchased from BLI have arrived without Operator Manuals or part schematics. Most BLI diesels all function (DCC/Quantum-wise) the same, so the lack of an Ops Manual isn't a stop dead on your tracks kind of thing. But - usually when you hand over that much money you kind of expect not to have to call BLI up and beg for the manuals, schematics or couplers they were supposed to provide in the first place every time you purchase their product - and you certainly don't expect them to only send you poorly xeroxed copies of said manuals. Even Bachmann makes sure they stuff their exploded parts schematics in Spectrum loco boxes. :^)</p><p>And it appears a lot of BLI's DCC Decoders don't program correctly on Digitrax programming tracks. It'll read back the 4 digit road number you just programmed in following BLI instructions, but it lies to you. :^) As soon as you switch over from PROGRAM to RUN - the unit is right back at Loco 3. The only way I've found around this is to program using a PROGRAM Booster track that's not Digitrax. Crazy, but works. :^)</p><p>As for being solid, strong pulling locomotives - I love my BLIs. They've got the weight, they've got the 5 pole can motors, they're detailed enough to look great at a scale height of 100 feet, and they definitely have the sound that grabs peoples' attention. It's just that BLI quality control seems to be slipping a tad ... like forgetting to put jumpers on their circruity at the plant and missing manuals. </p>
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