BLI Guided Development Survey

[C855B]

I provided feedback. I would love to see a DC version that will work with other brands. Even multiple BLI locos in DC is iffy.

I've tried to run five of their (original non-sound) E8/9 models in MU. Together they sound like a coffee grinder, and it's 'cuz of the traction tires not allowing the micro bit of slip you need to do that. I started to replace the wheelsets with Kato, but stopped after one in the realization that it was a big job to replace 30 axles' worth, and not cheap. Need to talk to BLI's parts department to just get the five non-TT wheelsets to match theirs.

[CBQ Fan]

I have replaced the traction tire axle with a standard one in all of mine but one. And yes it is a pain in the rear project. They are very touchy on current pickup and the slightest disruption shuts them on a dime and restarts the sound start up sequence. Combine that with 2-3 other power units running and a long passenger train it becomes problematic. But when you model the CB&Q Kato E5’s are your only accurate option other than BLI. And since the Q liked to run multiple units it makes it a challenge.

[bbussey]

I posted a lengthy essay at the end, which included the entire P5a debacle.  Other than that, I kept it mostly focused on decoder issues.

[robertjohndavis]

I made it clear my on-order N-scale Big Boy will be returned if it arrives with solid drivers.

I have no interest in smoke. 99% of my loco purchases come sound/DCC equipped, so all I really want in features is continually improved sound and operating characteristics.

Rolling Thunder is a great idea, but I will only invest when it can handle 8-10 locomotives at a time. And I will supply my own speakers. Until then it’s a neat toy but not useful to me.

All in all most BLI products are a good value, but there have been some dogs. I still can’t get my T1 to run decently, but the M1s are rock solid.

[Rossford Yard]

I have bought two of their N Scale models. Both seem finicky and prone to stall.  I admit after cleaning the wheels on the AC6000 units, and a quick run of a heavily discounted SW7 was even worse, so shelf queen status.  My suggestion is to keep working on the basics.  They seem like dedicated and nice guys, so I would support them if possible.

[CBQ Fan]

I will pick up one RSD-15 when they come in. My biggest decision is cotton belt or Santa Fe. If it were Kato, Athearn or Atlas I would buy 2-3 of each. Being BLI I will get 1.

[mu26aeh]

The ES44 paragon 4 CSX Pride in Service units will be the first BLI purchases I have made.  I'm hoping the 4's are an improvement

[ncbqguy]

[quote
I also told them that Kato did a better job 15 years ago on their Mikado then they did on the Pacific and Mikados and to please re-think the driver design.
[/quote]
I agree as far as the drivers are concerned, but otherwise the BLI has a better visual presence than the Kato and finer details.  I wish they had tooled a 4-6-2 boiler; 50 years ago Atlas Rivarossi did correct ones for the USRA Light Pacific and Mikado and didn't cheat using the Mikado Boiler for the Pacifics. 
Charlie Vlk

[basementcalling]

Took the survey, and asked to forget about smoke (silly oily gimmick, which looks totally unrealistic in N scale), Rollin Thunder (IMO another gimmick), and to offer "undecoderized" models (DC), so I can install some "real" decoders.  I did word things nicer than what I wrote above.

What? Someone flipped your dual decoder into "nice" mode? 

[reinhardtjh]

I also told them that Kato did a better job 15 years ago on their Mikado then they did on the Pacific and Mikados and to please re-think the driver design.

I agree as far as the drivers are concerned, but otherwise the BLI has a better visual presence than the Kato and finer details.  I wish they had tooled a 4-6-2 boiler; 50 years ago Atlas Rivarossi did correct ones for the USRA Light Pacific and Mikado and didn't cheat using the Mikado Boiler for the Pacifics. 
Charlie Vlk

I worded it better on the BLI poll.  I made it clear I was talking about the drivers and not overall.  Though I only bought them with an eye towards making C&O K-2/K-3 Mikados and F-xx Pacifics so I didn't care too much about the boiler details or that they cheated with the Pacific.

[squirrelhunter]

I did the survey too, I made sure they knew I was a N scaler. I said no to the smoke units, and asked for a ProtoThrottle compatible braking feature in their diesel decoders. I also asked them to run their ATSF steam in HO in N and to tool up a 6 axle oil bunker tender.

Honestly I suspect their HO sales are a massive multiple of their sales in N, just like ScaleTrains. So I'm not surprised they are offering an HO loco as the prize. I'm suspect they'd offer a swap for some kind of N scale engine if an N scaler has their name drawn.

[peteski]

What? Someone flipped your dual decoder into "nice" mode? 

Very cute Peter. 
No, I just worded things in a way that doesn't make me sound like a perpetually-complaining-about-everything old man, and make BLI discard my survey.

[Kentuckian]

I agree as far as the drivers are concerned, but otherwise the BLI has a better visual presence than the Kato and finer details.  I wish they had tooled a 4-6-2 boiler; 50 years ago Atlas Rivarossi did correct ones for the USRA Light Pacific and Mikado and didn't cheat using the Mikado Boiler for the Pacifics. 
Charlie Vlk


I worded it better on the BLI poll.  I made it clear I was talking about the drivers and not overall.  Though I only bought them with an eye towards making C&O K-2/K-3 Mikados and F-xx Pacifics so I didn't care too much about the boiler details or that they cheated with the Pacific.

I asked for more C&O! Texas and Allegheny. I have high hopes for the RSD. I suppose we will find out soon.

[reinhardtjh]

I asked for more C&O! Texas and Allegheny. I have high hopes for the RSD. I suppose we will find out soon.

I asked for everything.  lol C&O Mike, Pacific, Greenbriar, Texas and Allegheny.   Plus the usual PRR favorites I1sa, H8/9/10, J1, and even L1

[Chris333]

Rolling Thunder Shoes.