BLI SD40-2 CSX

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just posted this over on the Atlas HO forum and wanted to share with those of you in here who might be interested.

OK people I just got my BLI SD40-2 today and I must say I’m impressed. I’m not AR enough to know whether the detail is correct but I feel this loco is of the same high crispness in both detail and paint as my Atlas Master Series locomotives. The railings, lift rings and grab irons are very fine and positioned well. The fans are well molded similar to Kato units and the radiator grills are see through. The only thing I might change would be the horns. It has the fuel tank details and air line details similar to some og the P2K offerings.

On my little layout at home it runs smoothly and I will have it down at the club this weekend to see it stretch it’s legs.

In the sound department as far as I know it sounds good but I’m not sure I could tell the difference anyway.

To anyone who has criticised it without having first hand experience basing such criticism on old photos on the website I feel you have done it and us a dis-service.

2

Hello Bob,

There was a topic on this unit back in the winter.

Some of the criticisms included the radiator grill (the style on the BLI unit was used only by 1 or 2 railroads), the thickness of the handrails, etc. What the critics were basically saying was that a modeler was paying for the sound system. The body shell was slightly above average over an Athearn BB, and well below P2K standards.

I think, overall, it’s a nice unit. I got to see one “and hear” one in action at a model railroad club. I was very impressed. If you’re happy with your unit, don’t worry about it. It’s man’s nature to criticize. I’ve heard modelers rip on the new Atlas, P2K and Kato units. I’m guilty of “ripping” Athearns, yet I own a bunch of them.

As for the BLI SD40-2, if I get one or two in the future, the only modifications I plan on would be replacing the radiator grills and adding more body details.

3

I love my pair too, both N&W’s run smoothly and look great. My only problem getting them to run nice MU’d but I guess fiddling with the CV’s might do the trick.

Ken.