I’ve just changed scales from N to Ho, and am currently building a small switching layout. (about 2X10). I haven’t bought any locos or rolling stock yet, and have been searching for the right loco for the layout. I really like the looks of the BLI SW7, but I’ve heard about some people having problems with them handling smaller radius turns and turnouts. I have an 18" min radius on the layout, and mostly No4 turnouts. Anyone know if this will be a problem for the switcher? I don’t want to waste my money here. I’m also open to suggestions for a good switcher for the layout, I’m new to HO scale, so not sure of where to really look I guess. I just really want the loco to have sound installed. Thanks in advance.
Check the BLI website and info? I am waiting for their NW2 which is basically the same unit only earlier version timewise. I am modelling GN in the late '40’s early '50’s I have heard good things and bad things about their earlier releases.Hopefully they have ironed out all their production difficulties by now, eh?
No,your 18" or #4 switches won’t be a problem for your short wheel base switcher…Just be sure to test run your BLI switcher before you buy it.
I have one from the first batch, and I have had no problems at all with it. I also have a switching layout that is 2’ wide with some #4 Atlas Customline turnouts and 18" radius turns. I have two more undecorated on order.
I guess you know about Atlas’ new sound equiped switcher due around November.
There are many tried and true HO switchers … Kato, Stewart, etc … but squeezing sound in them is the problem.
Jim
Jim,
I took a quick look at the Atlas site and couldn’t find a reference to these switchers. Do you have a web link you can share so that I can find out more about them?
Thanks,
EdW
I’m curious too. I had planned on getting an NW2 because the B&P has one–a junker, but it’s there. But if Atlas has a SW1500 coming out, the twins, 1508 and 1509, are regulars in front of my store.
Thanks for the info. If it works fine for you then that makes me feel better about spending the money for one. I guess I’ll pick one up and try it out. I haven’t heard anything about an Atlas switcher coming out either. I think I heard something about a proto 2k SW8 with QSI coming in November, but I’m not too sure.
Atlas will be releasing a MP15DC with and without sound…The MP15AC will be produce by Athearn…Both the MP15 units are multipurpose and can be used in yard,hump,transfer or road service…
Can you give us a link so that we can check them out, including what road names will be available, etc?
Thanks,
EdW
A Kato NW-2 will beat a BLI SW hands down.
If you want to see the new Atlas engine, just go up to the Atlas web site!
gtr
BLI SW7 would be a great first loco for any small-to-medium layout !!
I have a BLI NW-2, basically the same as the SW-7 (the BLI NW-2 models the last phase before the SW-7 was introduced) and it’s an excellent engine. Out of the box it’s top speed is about 35-40 MPH, if you’re using DCC you can find out yourself because one of the function buttons causes the engine to announce it’s speed thru the loco speaker. It runs great thru no.4 turnouts. Only tiny drawback is it is small, so it can’t pull too many cars by itself. I grew up seeing GM switchers running back to back in front of my house so I picked up a Life-Like SW9 on ebay (GN paint) and run them together back to back. You can’t really tell that only one has sound.
Here is the link for the Atlas MP15DC
Then click on the Atlas logo, click on the second Atlas logo,then new HO products,scroll down to MP15DC
The KATO EMD-NW-2 is the best switcher I have used,heavy and reliable,I have three of them , mine are all in the S.P. colors (red and gray) I have used them on 15 degree curves and #4 switches.
JIM
I also have a Kato NW2. Its about 12 years old, in Conrail. When I run it with my MRC dc power pack, it is the best running switcher I have …outstanding ultra slow running. But I don’t want to use it on the DCC layout as is, so I don’t know how it runs then.
I plan to dremel out the body to make room for a decoder. And since I’m hooked on sound, I’m going to see if I could mount a sound/dcc decoder in it and speakers in a dummy unit. I’m pretty new at this stuff, though.
Jim
I have the NW2 and the SW7 and like them both. Even though my minimum radius is 30" I do use #4 switches in places to save space. My huge 89’ and 85’ passenger cars go through them but they normally get #6’s switches. Anyway, my SW and my NW’s go through #4’s without any problems at all. These are very nice models and I strongly recommend them. I currently have 3 and will definitely be buying more of the next run.
Lister … As I said, I have two undecorated ones on order. The shipping date for this new batch keeps getting pushed back, which is usual for BLI. The last time I asked Tony’s, he told me late July. I just looked at his website, and I see Sept 05 now. BLI still says Summer 2005.
Tony’s always gives conservative ship dates, I believe (which I appreciate). It seems I always get stuff from him earlier than he said it would come.
BLI is just a pain in the butt with thier delivery schedule changes.
Jim
As I also said before … I, too, have a 2’ wide switching layout. That’s why I have the old switchers (40 footers). And I’m keeping my rolling stock at 40’ also. I think that puts them built before WWII. Forty foot box cars, gon’s, flat’s, old tankers, reefers. I’m buying cheap kits from the Walthers’ catalog, and upgrading them with metal wheels, kaydee couplers, and proper weight.
With DCC, sound, a few quality engines, and small (but perfectly running) rolling stock, I’;m enjoying my small, industrial switching layout.
I have a BLI NW-2 and a BLI SW-7 in the PRR paint scheme. I have really like these switchers. Smooth, good power, great detail… The sound units in mine are not very loud, when compared to my other BLI engines. Both engines have golden white LED lighting front and rear as well. The NW-2’s reverse headlight in action is a sight to behold.
Great little engines.
Well I appreciate all the info. I went ahead and put an SW7 on order with Tony’s. So guess I’m in line for when they’re received. Should be worth the wait though.