Accessing the smoke on/off switch on a BLI Q2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I bought one of these beauties at the weekend, love it, but I can’t figure out how to access the switch to disable the smoke unit. Apparently it it’s behind the smoke box door, but how do you get at it? It’s not under the cab like some BLI models. I did a search of this forum and there it’s an old thread that suggests changing the CV so the smoke is off by default, but I’d still like to be able to disable it if I want. Does anyone know how to get at it? Thanks Dan

2

DAN,

According to the Bli tune-up manual, to turn the smoke unit off at start-up set cv246 to 0 and it will not come back on until you press F7

Cheers,

Frank

3

Dan,

I forgot to mention that it doesn’t mention any other way to turn it off…

Cheers,

Frank

4

Is this the thread you found?: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/178279/1956313.aspx#1956313

Note that there is a link in the thread to a BLI webpage called fine tuning your Q2. You might find this helpful even if the thread does not answer the switch question.

By the way, did the loco come with an exploded view diagram where you might find the switch? I searched the BLI site and did not find a diagram.

5

Yes, that’s the thread. I’m going to change the cv, but I’d still like to know how to access the switch.

6

Did the unit come with an exploded view diagram that might show the switch?

Another thought would be to call BLI and see what they say. Be sure to post the response, since this question has appeared here before. No sense searching for something that may not exist!

7

Sorry, no it didn’t come with an exploded view diagram. I’ll contact BLI as you suggest. Definitely will post their respond here. Thanks

8

I remember a friend of mine had one of these and if memory serves me well it’s located behind front boiler cover. Hope it helps, I don’t personally have one of these.[2c]

9

I think you’re right, but I’m a little nervous of starting to pry things off with a screwdriver without some confirmation of whether it’s what I’m supposed to do or not. My wife says I don’t know my own strength and tend to break stuff a lot!

I’ve sent an email to BLI, we’ll see what they say.

Thanks.

10

Should call them.

11

Maxman,

I went directly to the BLI webpage to quote the info I gave to the op…

Cheers,

FRANK

12

Yes, I agree. However, OP apparently seems to have some indication, or information, suggesting that there is actually a switch someplace. Since none of us seem to be able to definitely say “no, this model did not come with a switch”, then it seems to me that to get an answer to that question it would be best to go directly to the source.

13

Here’s the response from BLI

‘The smoke switch is behind the cover, which has to be pried off. If this can’t be done using a fingernail, a tiny flat head screwdriver would be a good alternative, just make sure to use a spot that is concealed in case it slips and scratches anything’.

Well that was the confirmation I was looking for, nearly broke a nail, but off came the smoke box cover and behold, the switch!

14

Thanks for posting. Now, at least, when someone asks the same question there will be an actual answer!

Regards

15

Indeed, and thanks to everyone for their input.

Dan