BLI is planning to use its’ RSD 15 as a C&O RSD7. Does anyone know if the RSD7 and RSD15 looked alike? Thanks for the information!
From the little that I know on this subject, the C&O RSD7s were high nose units, while the RSD15s were low nose. I hope this helps.
Yes,the RSD15 and RSD7 shares the same basic body…IF BLI does a C&O RSD7 I will be tempted to buy one…
FYI…The RSD15 came with either a low or high hood.
First of all BLI better make this unit (RSD 15) now ! I ordered mine in April and still haven’t gotten it. I checked the web site and it’s not even listed as coming soon or on the way.
What really ticks me is the place I ordered it from (an advertiser here) has my money and keeps telling me it’s on the way-what a load of crap ! As soon as it’s 5 months I’m going to demand my money back and will NEVER consider this manufactuer again no matter what they make. Sorry to rant and rave …
The major differences between the RSD7 and the RSD15 were internal- the RSD7 had Alco’s 244 engine, while the RSD15 had Alco’s 251 engine, and there were some electrical system changes between the RSD7 and the RSD15.
There are really only two major external differences between the BLI RSD15 and a C&O RSD7:
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The fuel tank on the C&O’s RSD7 was shorter than the one modeled on the BLI RSD15. Given the layout of the motor and the electronics on the BLI model, this looks like a lot of work to correct.
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The battery box/step behind the cab on the fireman’s side of the C&O RSD7 is longer than on the BLI RSD15. it extends back to slightly farther than where the BLI RSD15 has the first handrail stanchion.
There are other, less obvious differences, such as a minor spacing difference on the intake vents along the top of the long hood sides, and the specific “jewelry” (bell, horns, etc.). Otherwise, they’re very similar, due to the C&O’s RSD7s being the last of that model built before Alco replaced it in its catalog with the RSD15.
The high-hood RSD15 model is the best starting point, as the C&O did not own any low-nosed Alcos.
Decoy,
It if frustrating, but to be fair to BLI, part of the problem is that these units are imported from China. Overseas manufacturers set shipping dates but snags occur that result in these types of delays. Some of the snags may include: newly discovered glitches at the factory level, disagreements with transport companies, and weather phenomena such as Typhoons that delay shipping.
So managers at companies like BLI and Athearn also get just as frustrated since their investments in new product lines are enormous. Hang in there.
I’m looking forward to the BLI F7 and E8.
I just got a note from one dealer that these are not scheduled to be delivered until some time this Winter, possibly not until 2006, so he is only taking advance orders now.
My LHS has HAD RSD15s…