I am looking to buy either a BLI MT-73 or a Athearn FEF. I can get them for the same price, but I cannot make a decision [sigh] So I wish for you guys to make the decision for me. My model RR will be the Wasatch in the mid 40’s. It will be devoted to pulling passenger consist, mainly the Walther’s heavyweights (Gray scheme).
I DON’T THINK A 'BRANCH RR ever had a 4-8-4. How about a 2-8-0?
Maybe your branch leased an FEF one time.
In any event, I would be leary of the dubious MRC decoder because so many folks report programming problems with them on this forum. Maybe it’s just them…all of them…but I would not thank you for that loco. I would opt for the BLI…maybe they leased a Mountain, too, or instead.
Ahhh, I was not direct in my language. The RR is Union Pacific’s mainline through Wasatch.
Buy both. Keep the one you end up liking the most, and send the other one to me as compensation for the consultation.
If you’re looking at the units with DCC con trol go for the BLI. There’s too many problems associated with MRC’s junk decoder.
How hard is it to replace a Decoder?
With the MRC decoders I don’t know. It depends a lot on whether or not it’s a plugin type. If it simply plugs in, you shouldn’t have any problem. If itr’s hard-wired, you’ll carefully have to remove the wires from the decoder and solder them to the wires of the new decoder. Often, the NEC decoders I buy have no wires and I have to solder the wires directly to the decoder. That usually takes me about half an hour.
It is hard to help with this question. If you are into prototype, do your research and get what is right. If you are not into that much prototype, get an engine you like and work out a lease story.
I would get a brass 2-6-6-2 because I like them, in fact I did. I love it when some prototype type suggests that that road never ran one of those, and all I can say is, "look, it is running one right now, before your very eyes.
I do as Jeff does, NCE decoders, and either solder the wires in, or, you can buy connectors and solder them on the wires for easy connect/disconnect later. Your choice.
You’re nicer about it than I am. I just tell them that if they don’t like it, they know where the door is.[(-D]
Yes. Making decisions for others is easy. You need an FEF pulling passenger consists on the UP main. Change decoders later if you need to, but get the Northern.
I do like the quote; I just disagree with the recommended decision. I think you need a Roundhouse 4-4-0 with a train of Overton or Overland (your pick) passenger cars, all in a UP scheme. The Roundhouse 4-4-0 has the same advantage as the Athearn; you will probably want to replace the MRC decoder sooner or later.
just my thoughts [}:)]
Fred W
I’ve decided.
You’ll be buying the BLI.
Off you go now.