BLI F-7's

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Got to run my new BLI F-7’s on my test track this weekend and my first impressions : the sound seem’s to be very accurate for a 567 diesel engine. The horns and bell are clear and sound very close to the prototype as far as I can remember, as not every locomotive was equiped identically. The body seems to be very accurate as is the paint job. I have seen locomotives that had a mu receptical built into the nose door, but the BLI does not have this.

I m.u.ed The A-unit and the B-unit together with my Digitraxx Zyphr and they ran great right right from the start. The units started to move when I got to two on my 400 controller and just creeped along nice and smooth.

Can’t wait to put them on a large layout and let them pull a long train as all I have at present is a 2ft by 8ft test track. I hope that someone will post their impression’s when they run on a open mainline with these unit’s. These are just my limited impressions, and I am happy with my units. We waited long enough and BLI finally came through! Thanks Jim

2

BLI I think, is one of the best compaines out there. I have 4 BLI units and love them. Every company has had problem with one model or another, missed a few things, bad details or Quality Control screw up… And even some of had homerun units too. But with BLI, they seem the most consistant maker out there out of all. (Only counting sound equipped makes) Plus, the customer service is great oo. Which, is always a perk.

3

Have been hearing postive things about these F units so far. I remember the big anticipation just last summer about this and the Athearn Genesis F7 with sound.

I was very dissappointed in the Athearn Genesis F unit’s sound system, which was produced by MRC.

I’m looking forward to hearing the BLI F7s sound at my club’s layout. A member recently purchased one and I should have a chance soon to observe its operation, closeup.

4

So, they finally got the revised shells with DB fans?

5

I was wondering the same thing. And on that note, hopefully they improved the paint on the Warbonnets on the replacement shells.

6

Well BLI indicated that they will issue updated shells. For example, the Western Maryland uses Deluxe Gold Trim, and the BLI’s white trim is incorrect.

This is taken from BLI’s website. My F units (B&O Stock units #404 and 405 are unaffected)

EMD F7’s

Stock #'s 401, 402, 403, 406, 407, 410, 411, 412, 415, 416, 417, 418, 429, 430,431, 931, 932, 933, 936, 937, 940, 941, 942, 945, 946, 947, 948, 969, 970, 971

It has come to our attention that there are inaccuracies with the EMD F7’s. We regret the problems, but our company policy is to always stand behind our products. Therefore, we will make new, accurate shells available for all shipped roadnames. At this time we do not have a firm schedule, but will do our best to have replacement shells available in a very timely manner. When the new shells are available, we will ship the replacements directly through your dealer. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Ken Silvestri

7

The problem was they did not have dynamic brakes on the shells, but used the incorrect insert as a solid panel in place of the DB’s.

8

I realize the dynamic brakes were not there (very glad I did not buy into this mess), but a lot of Santa Fe guys have complained about the paint.

9

I do not have BLI f-7’s, but bought two LL P1K f-3’s (HO), equipped them with NCE decoders, and installed the diesel dress-up kit I think by Walthers. I installed sound in an old Athearn B unit and could not be more satisfied. I have a BLI Mountain that I’m completely happy with also. For BLI not to have been in the MRR business no longer than they have, I would say they are almost perfect. Any problems that have come up, not that many either, they have stood behind their product. I hope to be able to buy from BLI in the future, but right now I do what I can with my limited budget. Thats the reason for the LL f-3’s and Athearn B unit. Soundtrax had their LC decoders marked way down. I think I got that B unit X series decoder for around $30. Configuring the sound with the echo
or Dobbler effect it sounds like mutiple diesels running, how cool.

10

BLI just today posted a change in handling for the F7 errors – they’re NOT going to send new shells; rather, they want the locos returned to them to be fixed. They’re paying the UPS shipping both ways, so it won’t cost us anything.

Here’s the scoop: http://broadway-limited.com/

11

It is also a good way to cover their behinds on any warranty issues. At least they are getting them fixed.