Hi all,
I’ve gotten interested in the 20th Century Limited, the '38 version to be exact, after looking at plans in a 1988 issue of MR, with article written by David P. Morgan and after seeing the excellent variety of models for the train, I’d like to get opinions on commentary on what some here might see as the superior model of the Dreyfus Hudson.
Alvie
I have no experience with MTH, but from what I’ve heard, the quality is excellent. It would probably be the better of the two if you don’t want the possibility of having to repair it straight from the box.
I have one of the BLI Dreyfuss Hudsons (DC, no sound). The detail is sharper and overall cleaner looking than MTH’s, and the color seems better too. There are some quality control issues with the mechanics, but they’re usually easy to fix. After a few minor adjustments, my Hudson went from poor and wobbly to smooth and quiet. I don’t know how many have running issues (people are more likely to report a bad runner than a good runner), but I know some owners have had them run perfect from the box. I’m happy with mine, but I’m also pretty good at repairs. Other people may not be able to handle making half a dozen little tweaks to get it just right.
I have both MTH and BLI steamers and the MTH loco’s are better IMO. They all have cast boilers, running lights, no wiring harness to mess with, and great runners.
The only exception I’ve seen is the BLI Y6B which has a cast boiler and can out pull a mule.
Alvie,
Bottom line: The BLI Dreyfuss is more accurate; the MTH Dreyfuss runs smoother.
If you specifically want the '38 version of the Dreyfuss Hudson, you’ll have to buy the MTH. BLI only offers the '40 Dreyfuss Hudson with the gray striping. MTH offers both the '38 (with the blue striping) and the '40 Dreyfusses.
MTH has also announced that they will be releasing the '38 and '40 20th Century Limited cars. However, there is no set date when that will actually be - if ever. I’m still hoping that BLI will consider doing a set for their '40.
Tom
The only BLI Engine that I own and I am quite fond of it (5-1/2 yr advance order notwithstanding). It runs like a dream and looks cool at slow speeds. MTH did several “era’s” of it and they all look awesome from what I’ve seen, with matching passenger cars.
I have no experience with MTH models so I won’t comment on them.
I do have several BLI steamers though.
My 2-8-2 Mikado is 7 years old now and has never given me any problems. It is a smooth quiet runner and believe me, it has had its wheels run off. Except for an occasional lube job it has never required any adjustment or tweaking other than a few of the CVs.
My 4-6-4 Hudson is only 6 years old. It gets a lot of running time because both of my grandsons are enamored with steam engines. Again the only attention it gets is occasional lubrication.
I have seen here were several people have had to tweak the mechanics on BLI locos but that has not been my experience. I don’t think you can beat them for the money and the sound is awesome.