BLI E-6's have hit the shelves...

[spookshow]

The pickup scheme is indeed a bit different from the earlier E7/E8 models. Basically they've added wheelback wipers and little metal tubes to transfer current from said wipers to the metal sideframes. And FWIW, the gears are now black instead of white -

E7 -



E6 -



Dunno why they don't just go with axle cup pickup like everybody else 

-Mark

[spookshow]

Only the ATSF and Rock have the plating to simulate stainless siding. All the others are paint over raw plastic. The plated bodies are fully nickle plated then paint is applied over them.

Are you sure about that? Their previous E7, E8 and PA models weren't painted (not in the traditional sense anyway). I don't know what it is or how it's applied, but if you've ever tried to strip one you know what I mean. It's almost like a powder coating.

-Mark

[SkipGear]

I just ground on the step of my E6. After fixing the body ride height, the front stirrups interfered with the detail on the front trucks. It took a little touch of the dremel on the steps to thin them from behind. It was a breeze to do, just a light touch and done. Nothing but paint and plastic.

I had to do the same thing on my CBQ E units from the last run and is where I discovered the plating. It was actually nickle plated becuase it was much harder to dremel and there is a copper cladding below the nickle. The copper is the first step in the plating and is needed to give the nickle plating something to stick too.

[spookshow]

Ah, OK. I wasn't sure what you meant by "plating". I get it now.

At the risk of showing off my ignorance, am I correct in assuming that there is no difference between an E6B and an E7B (at least externally)?

Thanks,
-Mark

[sizemore]

The copper is the first step in the plating and is needed to give the nickle plating something to stick too.

Unrelated fact of the day: Copper plating is used to fill pitting in frames and also prohibits rust on steel frames.

 
The S.

[rogergperkins]

   So, do these run?
You got me interested, I ordered one and now I find all this discussion that leaves me wondering if I made a big mistake when I purchased one.
Are any of these comments about issues related to the overall operation/performance of the engine?
Thanks.

[spookshow]

Both of mine run great, and I think the extra pickup will go a long way towards eliminating the "dirty track" finickiness exhibited by some of BLI's earlier diesels. Here's my review -

http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/loco/blie6.html

Cheers,
-Mark

[Nato]

        The question was asked about Union Pacific Yellow,I don't want to get into a long discussion as to which manufacture has a more correct color,but my Broadway UP E-8's have a color that looks visually good to me who grew up around UP and got to ride on their trains. I have not seen the new E-6 in UP so I do not know if the color has been changed like Kato did for their COLA Train.                                          It would appear from photos and my ownership of a S*** Pot of Life Like E-6 locos that their shell detail is just a tad better. I might have purchased the Broadway E-6 in Union Pathetic (Pacific) if they had offered the 1941 streamliner schemes for both the COSF & COLA Trains. A coupler cover (door) insert could have been offered like old brass models ,remove the front coupler and have the great smooth front pilot look that roads originally had . Some brass E Unit models came with two pilots,one for a coupler and one closed doors. I realize that most railroads eventually removed the coupler covers because of servicing headaches,but if you want the as-delivered look you should be able to have it. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.

[Sokramiketes]

Maybe they're not parting lines... maybe it's hairline cracks!!!

http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?142806-Hairline-cracks-in-the-new-Con-Cor-New-Haven-Comet

 

[SkipGear]

  A coupler cover (door) insert could have been offered like old brass models ,remove the front coupler and have the great smooth front pilot look that roads originally had . Some brass E Unit models came with two pilots,one for a coupler and one closed doors. I realize that most railroads eventually removed the coupler covers because of servicing headaches,but if you want the as-delivered look you should be able to have it. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.

They do come with a coupler door replacement piece and mine is installed currently. It fits and the painting lines up nicely.

[Nato]

             Tony, good to know they do have coupler cover door replacement parts. Nate Goodman (Nato).

[spookshow]

Here ya go -



Important safety tip - Be careful how much force you use when flexing that snap-fit cover into place. Too much elbow grease will stress
the plastic and screw up the paint (and don't ask me how I know this  ).

Cheers,
-Mark

[mplsjct]

Both of mine run great, and I think the extra pickup will go a long way towards eliminating the "dirty track" finickiness exhibited by some of BLI's earlier diesels. Here's my review -

http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/loco/blie6.html

Cheers,
-Mark

It's worth reading this review just to see the word ameliorate used.

[sizemore]

Those parting lines are horrible for $190 a clip. This is ranking up there on the annoyance meter with the recent paintjobs on the Kato F-3's and F-7's...

The S.

[rogergperkins]

  The USPS tracker says mine was in Champaign, IL yesterday morning, so hope it arrives today, 25 May 2012.  My wife got a new camera recently and it makes nice videos and is especially good for n-scale eye level filming.