New run of BLI F3/F7's with Paragon 4 decoders

[Cajonpassfan]

I decided to splurge for an ABBA set of ATSF "Catwhiskers" by BLI. It arrived today, looking and sounding great, although a bit LOUD. Easy enough fix. And, I have one unit running steadily in step one through some not overly  clean track, and so I'm very impressed with the additional capacitance in the new P4 decoder.
Unfortunately, the second powered unit makes clicking noises, like a skipping gear, so it's going back. I'm not in the mood to have to work on a brand new and not inexpensive unit. Hopefully the seller will be able to replace it.
Otto K.

[peteski]

Good to know that these are more reliable runners, but I'm curious about increased number of capacitors.  From what I see in the photos of version 4 decoder (in new BLI Mikado) compared to version 3, the number of caps is the same.

I'm basing my statement on what I see in https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=53597.msg735539#msg735539 .

[larry p mahoning division]

I have an SD40-2 with a P4 and it runs flawless. No hesitation or restart up. I also have a couple of the P3 units and we all know the issues with that. I may be wrong, but I believe they also ran a hardwire to the trucks for more reliable pickup, not sure if the f units have the same.

[CBQ Fan]

The extra B unit for the CBQ is an odd choice. They never ran ABBA in this scheme and I have never seen them in this consist in the freight scheme.

[kscessandriver]

From my very limited run time with mine, they seem to be better. I got a GN F7A, and the MKT & FEC F3 sets (Powered A, unpowered B). They look good, just hope I don't regret the Paragon game again...

[Cajonpassfan]

I decided to splurge for an ABBA set of ATSF "Catwhiskers" by BLI. It arrived today, looking and sounding great, although a bit LOUD. Easy enough fix. And, I have one unit running steadily in step one through some not overly  clean track, and so I'm very impressed with the additional capacitance in the new P4 decoder.
Unfortunately, the second powered unit makes clicking noises, like a skipping gear, so it's going back. I'm not in the mood to have to work on a brand new and not inexpensive unit. Hopefully the seller will be able to replace it.
Otto K.

Well, I must say I am very impressed with the service I got from Factory Direct. One email letting them know there is a problem with one of the units, and today, four days later and on the other end of the country,  I got a replacement set and a UPS prepaid shipping label to return the defective unit. An efficient and classy way to do business.
The now complete ABBA set looks and sounds terrific (even though it's LOUD and way too fast...nothing a few CV adjustments can't take care of). A happy camper here...
Otto K.

[robert3985]

Although I'm planning on some BLI UP F3's, it appears to me that the front windows are too small...squinty looking.  Anybody else think this???  Here's a photo of the prototype in a similar (Cigar Band) paint scheme:


Here's another:


Looks to me like the cab front windows on the BLI model are too small.  I'm still gonna buy some, but it irritates me anyway.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[peteski]

Looking at the photos on the Internet I would agree with you Bob.



Kato F7 windshields look better.

[robert3985]

@peteski  Peter, wellll....if you and I agree on something, then it's GOT to right!  lol 

Yeah, I've never had a problem with the Kato F's, and they look mighty fine when superdetailed up.  Hmmmm...maybe I'll just stick with Kato's, put ESU Loksounds in 'em, and superdetail the Hell out of...'em.

Was looking at the grabs on the BLI models and thinking to myself "What would Ed Nadolski do with these???"  Meaning the stock separate grabs are a couple of RCH's too big in diameter for my RC eyes.

I also suspect if BLI does an etched "chicken wire" for their F3's, it won't look right either.

Okay...I'm sticking with the Katos.

That saved me a buck or two!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[peteski]

@peteski  Peter, wellll....if you and I agree on something, then it's GOT to right!  lol 
. . .
That saved me a buck or two!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

LOL!  You're welcome Bob!   

I seem to recall that some time ago there was a thread here about how well all the various N scale manufacturers rendered that curvy F-unit nose, but I don't remember if the BLI unit was one of the models being compared.

[Cajonpassfan]

I'll just post a couple of pics, one prototype and one of the three model versions, left to right: Intermountain, Kato, and BLI. Agree the window shape on the Kato is the best (but not perfect) and think the IM's are way too squinty. I can live with the BLI's; the Kato unit was a lot of work account it's not and never was available in the Catwhisker scheme. Scraping off cast on detail, detailing the shell, and painting /decaling it was fun once but doing six four-unit sets of them is not my idea of fun. Nor is milling frames and installing ESU (or any other) sound decoders. I have a large layout to finish in my lifetime....(if I'm lucky and smart with how I spend my available time).
Otto K.

[robert3985]

I'll just post a couple of pics, one prototype and one of the three model versions, left to right: Intermountain, Kato, and BLI. Agree the window shape on the Kato is the best (but not perfect) and think the IM's are way too squinty. I can live with the BLI's; the Kato unit was a lot of work account it's not and never was available in the Catwhisker scheme. Scraping off cast on detail, detailing the shell, and painting /decaling it was fun once but doing six four-unit sets of them is not my idea of fun. Nor is milling frames and installing ESU (or any other) sound decoders. I have a large layout to finish in my lifetime....(if I'm lucky and smart with how I spend my available time).
Otto K.

You are entirely correct Otto..my layout suffers because I continue to detail up cabooses & motive power and not do anything on the layout until I've got reference photos that leave me no doubt about the details...some of which it's becoming clear are simply nonexistent.  Love your layout and your progress reports & photos!

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks, Bob, for your kind comment. I admire your work as well.
Otto K.

[nickelplate759]

The upcoming run of these includes units in the NP's NCL Loewy scheme.  I'm about 1/2 way through assembling a train (with help from Lowell Smith's Railsmith), and want some power for it.   These are pretty pricey - an A-B-A set lists for around $600 - whether it's Paragon4 or "Stealth" (for that price Stealth would have 3 powered units, Paragon4 would have only 2).

My question is - how well do these pull?  How many powered units would I need to pull  a full NCL consist  of at least 14 cars?

[Cajonpassfan]

George, I don't have the latest release, but my most recent BLI ABBA P4 set with two powered units and two dummies can handle 12 Kato cars on my 2% grade, but it's close. I ended up acquiring another powered B unit mechanism to play it safe. I would think three powered units should handle 14 light, free rolling cars here, and two would be enough on flatlands. And yes, they are not cheap, but nor are aftermarket decoders.
Good luck, Otto