BLI is having a new run of products… Called Paragon 2. Apparently some new models with the new Paragon 2 sound system which is “Really Awesome”.
A representitive from BLI says details will be posted shortly… Here is the thread.
http://precisioncraftmodels.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=891
Let’s hope that link works, Firefox won’t let me cut and paste…
Allow me…: http://precisioncraftmodels.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=891
Are you using Firefox 3? I’ve heard alot of complaints about it, that’s why I refuse to upgrade from version 2 whenever their popup window appears!
It looks at though they will be using QSI’s Quantum Revolution. Good news for BLI and great news for Revolution users as all the schemes that will be factory installed will be available for download.
David B
I don’t think they will use the QSI Revolution - BLI on the Forum states clearly that they won’t do anymore QSI Equipped models.
Yes, firefox 3…
And BLI is yet again making it’s own sound system, no loksound, qsi or anything like that.
With BLI, it all comes down to one word. Availability. They always have the best products nobody can find.
Well, John, to be fair, they have had to weather a tough patch. I’d say between the summer of 06 and just now, it has been tough sledding for them. They launched their Blueline, which I would give mixed reviews over (don’t own one, and hoping I don’t have to resort to one any time soon). They have sold a hockey sock of that new line, and then had fits trying to keep angry customers from returning locos that wouldn’t run or programme properly. I don’t know if they have solved those problems to everyone’s satisfaction. Then they had to put new issues on hold while yet another form of third party litigation gets settlled. Now that the way ahead seems clear, they are about to go full bore into another line to re-establish themselves in the premier steam and diesel echelon. If they produce products like their former Paragon series, I won’t hesitate to buy one-for-one replacements, to recommend that others drop the plastic or cash, or to think seriously of new models. For example, I don’t have a Mountain type of any kind. Maybe the Mohawk would be a nice addition. My guess is that this will be a fantastic model because historically their Paragon series were excellent engines.
One good thing you could offer them by way of acknowledgement…they are fast learners, and developed their own in-house decoders so that they never again have to rely on litigious third parties for key componentry. They say they will use QSI for the next one or two deliveries, but then they switch to in-house decoders and their own proprietary sound files. Not too shabby.
-Crandell
Well, the 2009 Walthers catalog lists the following locomotives to be available as Paragon 2 models:
NYC J1 4-6-4, in several variations
EMD SD40-2, high hood version
EMD SW7
GE AC6000CW
The EMD SD40-2 and AC6000CW will continue to be available in the BlueLine version, as well.
The EMD E7 and SW7, USRA Light and Heavy Mikados, Reading T1 4-8-4, NYC S1b 4-8-4 Niagara and N&W Class A 2-6-6-4 are listed as current products in BlueLine versions.
The NYC L4 Mohawk and UP TTT Class 2-10-2 are listed as being in the in Brass Hybrid line with no indication of who is providing the sound gear.
The description of the Paragon 2 features includes:
Presumably this would require 19- or 28-function capability. I see some features here suggested by MRC’s sound decoders and some by MTH’s. The “record-and-playback” is an interesting idea.
I find it interesting that in their description of the BlueLine series, they note “Now easier to program in DCC”.
Will their new decoders be available separately, for those of us who wish to upgrade our blueliners?
According to BLI the Hybrids (UP TTT & NYC Mohawk) will come with QSI Sound!
Hi!
I have to comment on BLI and pass along my experience with “them”…
When they announced the ATSF 4-8-4, 2-10-4, and 2-10-2, I pre-ordered one of each for a total of just over $1k. The wait was long - over a year - and finally they arrived. There were all kinds of stories as to the reason for the wait, but they did arrive and I have no complaints about the quality.
Anyway, about 10 months ago or so, I get advertising direct from BLI regarding a clearance sale, with all the above locos on sale for about 2/3 what I paid for them from a mail order house. Now, even “new in the box” locos are going for less money on Ebay. In short, I felt like I got ripped off, and will not pre-order from them again.
Hey, I’m not complaining here - just passing along my story. Afterall, I got what I paid for and I am happy with them. But still…
ENJOY,
Mobilman44
Many of us purchased the new BLI models when they first came out only to discover a blow out sale could have saved 50% on the model just a few months later. BLI probably imported more models in the beginning than they could sell and so the blow out sales were needed to raise money.
My general thought now is to wait until the sale items are available before I purchase any of the new models from BLI. The Hybrids are a bargain overall since the first two have been all brass and not brass and plastice as first advertised.
CZ
I have never had an issue finding a BLI loco or getting service. They have always backed me up and I have been happy with most of the products. The only one I ever bought and returned was the MT-73. It just was not mechanically put together well. The rest I have been happy. If they have a Paragon 2 model that fits my layout I will try it. I have mostly blueline but do have some of the PCMs and they are awesome. If you are going to pre-order a loco, I go to wholesale trains and I pay less then FDT. I always pre-order. They do clearance alot and I did get the RSD-15 but I do notice after all the models are off of FDT and you wait 6 months. The prices on eBay go up and up. Look at the blueline bigboys, I paid $250 and now they want $340 or more on eBay. All those engines you got will go up after FDT clears them out. They just try to clear the stock before more arrives. I have been buying alot of bluelines and I am quite happy with them. I do want that fancy hybrid UP engine but I may not be able to afford one till tax season.
A high-nosed SD40-2? Nice! [:D]
The prototypes were, imho, very cool menacing looking locomotives, especially in the famous “Tuxedo” paint scheme. [8D][tup] Historically they were often run long hood forward and had horns (Nathan P5s, if I’m not mistaken) on both ends of the roof. Anyone know if they were equipped with controls on both sides of the cab?
There’s a batch of good photo shots of Southern SD40-2s on Railpictures.net
I do hope that BLI will have the correct radiator grill panel.
Certainly looking forward to seeing it . If I’m out of my financial “crunch” by then, I’ll likely get one.