What are the BLI SW-7’s in regard to detail, sound, and slow-speed control? I would love to purchase one but I’m a little leary, in view of what some have told me about their quality control problems.
Just Re wired my NW2 as it went the wrong way, now goes right way, top marks to BLI customer services for help with this problem, i could have sent it back for repair but as i live thousands of miles away i did a home fix. if you want to nit pick the paint job on the handrails could be better, but when you run it this won’t bother you. I run on DC and love it, you can re program all the sound functions to your taste, you can also set the starting resistance to suit either a heavy train or just loco only, example “PROGRAM OPTION 2” level 1 = no resistance 0 to full speed in 15 seconds, level 15 = full resistance 0 to full speed in 210 seconds
so in level 15 when you turn up the throttle to full speed, it rev’s up and very very slowley get’s the train a rollin and when you turn the throttle down it stops very slowley with squeeling brakes, BRILLIANT, you have to plan ahead so you don’t overshoot the mark. On my level track the NW2 can just move 12 walthers coalporters fitted with resin loads at a very prototypical speed, but it only just get’s em round a 35" radius bend due to rolling resistance, i should only be running with about 8 of these cars on to keep the little guy happy, my advice
GET ONE
On the whole, I’ve been happy with mine though I’ve found my BLI locomotives to be a little more tempermental than my Atlas ones. I think the sound system reduces the weight of the locomotive a little bit so that it derails a little easier. If you have laid good track, however, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I’m happy with this little guy. After changing the values in CV 3 and 4 I have had no performance issues. The loco is load so you have to tone it down a little. Slow speed is excellent.
Weight wise the jury is still out but I think for 6 to 10 cars on flat track it should be no problem.
I use mine in DCC mode. Thanks for listening, Chris
You might have to wait to get one, I just had a email back from Tony’s Train Ex, they are several weeks away!!
Ken.