BLI Y6b broke

[propmeup1]

Just received the new BLI Y6b. Been waiting for what, over a year or so. Set the cab number and put her on the track. She ran a half a lap and the noise started up. I said this does not sound good. Then i could see the front set of drivers skipping. Tried reverse and it bound up without moving. I called Train World and will be sending it back.    This is my first steam loco trouble like that. All my BLI issues come from their diesels and the centipedes which have made three and four trips back to BLI.       What a pisser. You wait so long and one min into the new toy and it's over just like that.   Had the same issue with a Intermountain cab fwd. They had me send it back and wait 2.5 months.      Hope all of you get good running units.

[Chris333]

BLI, the Harbor Freight of model trains.

[eja]

BLI, the Harbor Freight of model trains.

Sure seems that way.

[thomasjmdavis]

BLI, the Harbor Freight of model trains.

I dunno....if BLI were the Harbor Freight of model trains, a 2-8-8-2 would cost $79, and be available at any of the 3 Harbor Freight locations that are closer than the nearest hobby shop (from my house).

[signalmaintainer]

BLI, the Harbor Freight of model trains.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Chris333]

20% off coupon and a free flashlight.

[mike_lawyer]

Just received the new BLI Y6b. Been waiting for what, over a year or so. Set the cab number and put her on the track. She ran a half a lap and the noise started up. I said this does not sound good. Then i could see the front set of drivers skipping. Tried reverse and it bound up without moving. I called Train World and will be sending it back.    This is my first steam loco trouble like that. All my BLI issues come from their diesels and the centipedes which have made three and four trips back to BLI.       What a pisser. You wait so long and one min into the new toy and it's over just like that.   Had the same issue with a Intermountain cab fwd. They had me send it back and wait 2.5 months.      Hope all of you get good running units.

In my "limited" experience with BLI (pun intended), it seems like they are so focused on DCC and sound that they sometimes have quality control issues with the mechanism and performance.  I wish they would just make straight DC locomotives with bulletproof operation (like Kato) and stick an NMRA DCC socket in the tender.  And I run DCC, but would rather choose my own decoder to install.

Build a great running locomotive, and you can always install DCC and sound later.

[Cajonpassfan]

Well, their mikes and pacifics run great. I have five of them, all good.
Could we maybe wait for more than ONE sample Y6b to decide the merits of the whole production?
Maybe they are crap, or maybe a bad apple.
Just sayin'
Otto K

[oakcreekco]

In my "limited" experience with BLI (pun intended), it seems like they are so focused on DCC and sound that they sometimes have quality control issues with the mechanism and performance.  I wish they would just make straight DC locomotives with bulletproof operation (like Kato) and stick an NMRA DCC socket in the tender.  And I run DCC, but would rather choose my own decoder to install.

Build a great running locomotive, and you can always install DCC and sound later.

BINGO.

Well said.

[nkalanaga]

Most of the maintainers and engineers at the auto parts factory where I work buy their tools at Harbor Freight.  Apparently the quality is better than many people give them credit for.

Or, maybe, the prices are low enough that it's cheaper to replace the tools as they wear out/break than to buy better ones!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Most of the maintainers and engineers at the auto parts factory where I work buy their tools at Harbor Freight.  Apparently the quality is better than many people give them credit for.

Or, maybe, the prices are low enough that it's cheaper to replace the tools as they wear out/break than to buy better ones!

From what I've been seeing, lately, it's a mix of the two.

Apparently some of their newer cordless offerings are really good, like beat DeWalt and Milwaukee good. Durability is TBD, but at half the price, you can buy a spare to keep around.

[propmeup1]

Well as for my luck with all BLI engines and I have around 34-37 of them it was always the decoders taking a dump. I have three diesels and one T1 dead that need decoders. I’m going to swap them out for Soundtraxx.     As for this mechanical issue I’m hopping it’s just a dud loco and not the entire batch.  I’m hearing some issues with the new big boy as well.    I have six M1, two pacific and four mikes without any issues.  The four T1 all needed new decoders.    For the very short while the Y6 ran I did enjoy the whistle.  I think BLI did good there.   However I never had a chance to see the engines potential at pulling hoppers up my 1.34% grades.       I have three Reading T1 on order. Hope these are good runners.

[ATSF_Ron]

I agree with the comments about DCC ready vs. being forced to buy DCC/sound already equipped.  I'd prefer the choice of my own decoder.  In my own experience, I've had excellent luck with their steamers.  I have 6 of them, one in Paragon 3 and the rest in Paragon 4.  All have been flawless performers.  The Paragon 3 is a bit more picky about clean track, but it's had zero issues other than that.

[JMaurer1]

BLI is more of the Ace Hardware of trains...Sure, you can find what they have at other places for less money and you aren't going to get a lot of help, but if you REALLY NEED something sometimes its just easier to get it without going out of your way and hope for the best. 

[eric220]

Hopefully this is an isolated problem. I ran mine for laps for about an hour, and only had one electrical hiccup on an early lap.