Join the discussion on the following article:
Broadway Limited Imports HO scale EMD F7 A-B set
I like the idea of the blue line models. You get a lot of fun features for the money and you can choose the best decoder to match your DCC system. The details are good and I like that metal is used for better appearance and strength for handling. I love my BluLine Alco models that I run on standard DC. I also recommend the DCC master module to open up more features. If slow speed is rough, check gear oil.
I like blueline engines. they feature sound and precise control in an affordable package. Way to go Broadway Limited
AWESOME !!!
I bought the F7A-B of the Union Pacific. I agree, there is plenty of detail, the painting and lettering is great, the lights look fine, the sound is awesome, it has crew on board and everything else you might want from a very good-looking model. And the price is very moderate! BUT!!! When it came to running the engine in DCC, i wanted to turn away and bow my head in sorrow. There is a notable lurch over the complete speed range! The loco starts very slow (good) but then it starts to jolt. the model doesn’t run at a steady speed, regardless of the actual speed. It runs, then jolts (more than less) slightly, then accelerates again and so on. I tried 3 different decoders (Lenz Gold, Uhlenbrock, ESU Lokpilot) and with every decoder i tried the whole range of motor tweaking, the lurch got better, but didn’t go away. Aditionally, the B-Unit wobbles pretty much from side to side. I returned the model to my dealer. I “enjoyed” the same driving behaviour with BLI RS-15. Same procedure, same results. I scrapped the model for its sound decoder (at 115 Euros the complete model is cheaper than a ESU SoundPilot decoder), which i now use in my Trix PA1. The rest of the RS-15 rusts on a forgotten siding. After two diesel failures in a row from BlueLine, i won’t buy another Diesel by BLI. Strangely or better luckily, the BLI T1 is a great runner. Best of BLI is - in my opinion the Paragon GG1.
My BLI F7A was a bit rough running on DC, but with addition of a Digitrax decoder, it runs great on DCC. Changing the address was a struggle. After much research I finally learned to remove the DCC decoder, then program an address into the sound decoder on DIR mode with my Zephyr, then replace the DCC decoder and set the address in PROG mode. Now other CV’s are programmable. I’m very pleased with the final product, and the sounds are the best I’ve heard in any HO diesel.
I have a few BLI loco’s, both steam and diesel and I am satisfied with their preformamce. I also have a set of the Blueline F7s. In the instruction booklet for conversion to DCC, they give you a few choices for decoders to use. I suggest that if you choose Digtrax for your decoder try the DZ125PS instead of the DN143IP that BLI list in the booklet. The reason is ,in the F7’s case, the decoder has to be installed backward to have clearance under the shell,this cause the loco to run in reverse. Because the DZ125PS is smaller and has a harness you can tuck it in next to the board. Advantage, (1) less step in programming and it run just as good.
I like it, good job!
Wow! Something to aim for…as a newcomer to model railroading… I like the specifications and the price…!
I got my F7A/B both with motors and sound some time ago. Pulling power is terrific! The sound is very good, but as I live in Norway, I have to rely on old films to check it out. Detailing is perfect! Also the distance between A and B seems correct. A very good loco!!
enjoyed reading other rails comments. i have two RSD-15’s from BLI. I was quite impressed with the sound and had a NCE dcc decoders installed. I use MRC’s prodigy advance system with no problems at all. the RSD-15’s do have a very slight uneven points at firtst start,but seems to smooth out after being run for a few minutes. After reading one of the comments above, i will use some light oil in one to see if that will help. Very satisfied otherwise and fun to operate! Great value for the price! Note; dcc decoder is a NCE n14lp