Supposedly the BLI New Haven I-5 hybrid was released today nearly a year after it was announced. I’d love to hear from someone who gets one as to looks, sound and running characteristics. Tried posting this on the NHRHTA website but my password doesn’t work over there any more. Thanks, J.R.
JR,
I don’t know if you’re aware of it or not. Model Railroader just did a review of the I-5 in their recent December issue. It looks like a very nice locomotive.
Tom
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t that on the brass version?
Nevertheless, it got a sterling review and was treated very positive.
Magnus
GMTRacing,
I’ve only seen the hybrid (and the brass) version at the Springfield (MA) show back in January. I saw it running on a display stand (roller equipped), and the only sound they had available at that time was the whistle (which they played for me). Quite frankly, it impressed the heck out of me. The engine seems to run smoothly (we’ll see how much it’ll pull), it looks fantastic (and I’m not one to throw praise around loosely for NH mdoels), and the steamboat whistle sounded just like the one from the movie, “A Great Railroad At Work” (the NH WWII film).
There’s always the possiblility that the factory will mess it up after the pre-production (just ask True Line Trains with their C-Liner), but if everything holds true, this hybrid model version of the I-5 will be way better than the old NJ/Custom Brass model, equal or exceed the W&R brass model, and will only be inferior to BLI’s own brass version that came out just this fall. I just hope that she’ll pull my full Merchants Limited or my Yankee Clipper at (wink, wink) 80 mph.
BTW, on the NHRHTA Forum, you have to have your e-mail address visible in your profile. If you can’t log on to get to it or change it (or if you have any trouble registering at all), contact Marc Frattasio, the board admin. He’ll set you up correctly.
tstage,
The model reviewed in the MR was the brass version of the I-5. Another fantastic piece of model railroading art…but at $1600, it better be. The hybrid (plastic/brass) version is around $400 (both with QSI sound).
Personally, I can’t wait for my hybrid…I’m so giddy! [:D] And NE-5 cabooses are coming out early next year from Intermountain. What a time to be a New Haven fan! Woohoo!
Paul A. Cutler III
Paul,
Point taken. But even though the detailing should be better with the brass, I would think that - both mechanically and sound-wise - they would be identical.
Tom
Thanks Paul,
I saw the demo at Springfield as well and was impressed but after getting the C-Liner and both shells (both incorrect), I’m a little wary. I did order an I-5 when they were announced but I’ll be out of state when they arrive so I figured one of you would get the model before I got back and be able to report.
As far as the NHRHTA is concerned I was fairly sure I had all the hoops jumped through to keep my place at the table (WestMainSt there) but the problems were too much to bother with ultimately. I know you post there all the time, but it is a real travail for many of the rest of us and not user friendly. As a New Haven fan I will maintain my membership, but the administration of the organization leaves much to be desired in my opinion. J.R.