I have the chance to buy a BLI Hudson, but it is from the original run and not the newer retooled version. Should I pass and just find one from the new run, or is the older model worth getting as well without the improvements?
If it is under warranty, and the price is right (say, $80-100), and you are certain that it runs, I don’t see why it should not be a good addition. If it is used, and the person wants more than $70, I would steer clear.
You could always add a Tsunami to it, or buy the upgraded QSI chip to improve it.
This question has come up several times, and the owners who have the older models seem to be happy with them. The new model has nickel plated drivers and improved drive system, which the older model did not have. The older model might have some electrical contact problems if the drivers are not kept clean, but they ran OK and you might enjoy it since it is much less money.
If you want the newer model Hudson, look for some blowout prices coming soon??? BLI is already blowing out the new N&W J class second run with the 600 number. This engine is brand new but is different than the later version in serveral details, like the laird piston slide and rounded top tender for the water area. It seems like models that do not sell well go on blow out sales.
I got one of the early N&W J’s with sound this week for $189.
Not a bad deal??
I had one from the new run make it around the layout twice and on the third trip around it dead stopped at about 50% throttle and never came to life again. This was my second bad BLI engine and my last. I know may people that love them but from now on im personally staying clear.
I own one of the “original” versions of the Hudson. I have not had significant problems with it other than my trying to get it to negotiate turns much to tight for its wheelbase. If you can get an early run version “new” for less than $80, I’d say do it. If it’s used, the price should be less than $50 in my opinion to make it worth while. This is because you can get a new later run version from www.Trainworld.com for $130 or so. They’ve been running a “blowout” sale on the Hudsons for at least 6 months now. I only wish I had waited until the excitement had died down because I paid more than twice that price for mine. [:(]
Good luck.
The latest ad I just received today has all of the Hudsons for 129, if I read it correctly.
Many other sales on many BLI products.
The blow out is on. If you have the secret code in the email, you get another 10% off the sale prices if the total buy is over $200.
I believe I read a thread on this forum where somebody called and got the numbers from the items at Trainworld and they were the second run. Of course, without a search function on the forum, I can’t find that old thread! @$@##$! [}:)]
Well I have one of the first ones, on the downside it is a little noisy, and I haven’t been able to adjust the speed CV’s very well (early BLI engines had some issues in programming). On the plus side, it was made before the lawsuit so has Back-EMF cruise control which is great !! I might try the QSI chip upgrade to see if it makes programming easier, but as it is its worked fine for a couple of years pulling trains, very powerful engine.
You are right about all of them being on sale. I just received an email from Trainworld and now is the time to save if you are going to buy.
The Blowout is on.
If you get one of the Hudsons on blowout, please let us know how how like it and which version it is.
An update to the blowout sale we have feen discussing.
I received the second run BLI N&W J # 600 today and it has some quality problems. The headlight on the engine does not work and it needs breaking in badly on the rollers. The tender back up light works so maybe I should consider using it in Cab Forward mode? The whistle sounds different from my other first run J, but is a true steamboat type whistle.
Maybe the reason this sale came about is the lack of quality. I am sure it can be sent back for repair, but that is not what I expected from a new model. It does run and will run better with some time on the rollers to break it in.
Maybe it is time to buy them locally and see them run first.
I had an early Hudson and never liked it very much. It didn’t run smoothly and sometimes did odd things. The main problem was continuity through the tender trucks, which required replacing the springs. I sold it for $99 and bought a new one for $129 - am happier with it.
My SF 2-10-2 has some kind of intermittant in the headlight which needs attention. Just bought a J (610), and it seems OK, tho not completely smooth at low speed. Also a Reading, which runs very well.
Hal
I have one of the first run / pre-law suit Hudsons.
It runs fine even around my layouts tight curves, the sound is OK too, much better than the older Soundtraxx units (not the Tsunami). Never had electrical problems with it even though my track can get pretty dirty. I have not had chance to compare it with the second run, so can’t tell if the improved drive was worth the extra $.
The only problem came when I tried programming it. On one ocassion the programming got all scramled up and I had to do a factory reset. Since then I have altered CVs in ops mode (i.e. on the main) and not encountered further problems.