Opinions on BLI Paragon 2 SD40-2?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m looking to buy a high hood N&W SD40-2, and I was considering the Paragon 2 model because of the sound system and the price. I’d like opinions on the accuracy of the model, the quality of the sound system, how smoothly it runs, and how it pulls. I’ve seen posts on other forums disparaging the blueline SD40-2 and the earlier paragon version, but very little specific information on what was wrong with them and next to no information on the Paragon 2 model.

2

I own two Paragon SD40-2 locos.

I am no rivet counter, but the detail is superb as far as I am concerned.

They are both greater runners, extremely smooth, and they can pull a ton.

I never intended to buy BLI diesels, only steamers, because all of my other diesels are Atlas and Proto 2000. But I am very happy that I bought these two. Had them for a couple of years now.

I don’t know about Paragon 2, but the sound on the Paragon units is excellent.

I have no idea why others might knock the Paragon SD40-2 locos.

Rich

3

Rich, Just remember the old adage that there are more “sour grapes” than there are grapes, same thing applies to horses as well.

Mark

4

I own 3 SD40-2 HH’S. I love em. The sound is great and they run great. I bought all three on 3 separate Ebay auctions. One for $103.00, the other for $121.00 and the last for $133.00. If you just be patient you can get one for 1/2 of what others, lol will pay.

Mike

5

They are all BLI PAR. 2 W/SOUND. If it smells like bread and it tastes like pudding then it’s beef.

Mike

6

I believe the paragon 2 SD40-2’s are all high hood

7

I have one of the Paragon 2 SD40’s HH and Im very happy with it. Sound is very good you can adjust the tone like the Blueline and it has many more features than the QSI.

Bob

8

I have seen a few of the BLI SD40-2s. They run OK. I don’t like the body on it. Line it up next to an Athearn, and you should be able to tell the difference. The Athearn body is much better.

I’m not impressed with the Paragon2 sound system. Who needs barnyard sounds coming from the engine?? Athearn made NW high-hood SD40-2s, it would be in your interest to locate some.

9

I am delighted to hear that others are enjoying/pleased with their Paragon2-decodered locomotives. I have two of the said decoders in a pair of steamers but, unfortunately, each has had nearly identical programming issues from the get-go. Both locomotives - a J1e and J3a Hudson - have been sent back to BLI for repair. [:(]

BLI replaced the Paragon2 decoder in the J3a and I just received it in the mail yesterday. (It runs and programs fine now without any error or shorting messages.) The J1e is still in the Ormand Beach backshop at BLI. I suspect that it will also require a decoder replacement, as well.

For me, the jury is still out on the Paragon2 decoders. As mentioned above, I am glad others have not experienced some of the same problems I have had with them.

Tom