What is this? Is this the new BLI? It looks like QSI dropped BLI. Anyone have any Idea whats going on?
Precision Craft Models announces several new products
New models in N, HO, On2-1/2 and On3 scheduled for release soon
Precision Craft Models has announced its product releases for the rest of 2005 and early 2006. In N scale the firm will be releasing Electro-Motive Division (EMD) E3, E6, E8, and E9 diesel locomotives (winter 2005-spring 2006); Pennsylvania RR (PRR) class M1a and M1b 4-8-2 steam locomotives; and Norfolk & Western class H2a hoppers. Precision Craft’s HO scale releases include Reading class T1 4-8-4 steam locomotives (summer 2005); PRR class I1 2-10-0 Decapod steam locomotives (winter 2005); die-cast metal Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy steam locomotives (winter 2005); Alco FA-1 and FB-1 diesel locomotives (winter 2005); Baltimore & Ohio class P-7 4-6-2 steam locomotives (winter 2005); Alco PA and PB diesel locomotives (winter 2005); EMD F3, SD7, and SD9 diesel locomotives (winter 2005); Southern Pacific class AC-12 Cab Forward 4-8-8-2 steam locomotives (winter 2005); and Norfolk & Western class CF wood-side center-cupola cabooses (winter 2005). In narrow gauge, Precision Craft Models will be releasing Galloping Goose rail buses in On2-1/2 and On3.
All Precision Craft Models HO and N scale locomotives will be equipped with the new Electronic Solutions Ulm U.S. prototype LokSound sound and control system (a story we first reported in the May 2005 issue of Model Railroader). According to an advertisement from PCM, the LokSound system features include: greater speaker wattage; locomotives automatically sense whether the locomotive is on a DC or Digital Command Control (DCC) operated layout; and simple user upgrades from PCM Web site. The firm will also offer the DC Master to activate the whistle or horn, bell, and control volume on DC layouts.
In addition, Broadway Limited Imports has announced the release dates for many of its models, includ
Broadway’s clone or spawn or whatever. Mabey its a way to get around MTH’s BS.
It seems the diecast 4000 and AC-12 were to have been part of the BLI Paragon Platinum series, but instead are coming out under a different company name.
Would like to hear a “LOK Sound” system. The only sound samples available on the website are Europeon locomotives. Have to admit that they sound clear. Am looking forward to hearing what LOK Sound EMDs are like.
The sound market continues to grow. Win-Win for us!
That’s been my feeling all along - they formed another company to avoid the MTH problem. As long as they atually release that Reading T-1, I do;t care one way or the other.
I really don’t think QSI dropped them, more like they dropped QSI, although there are also new releases announced by BLI. The ‘escape MTH’ idea got a lot more traction when I saw they were doing the Reading T-1. Keep in mind there is a relationship between BLI and Korea Brass, who was involved in that MTH/Lionel thing. Also keep in mind that Mike is the one who designed and built all the hi-rail Reading T-1’s, first two while working for Lionel, which came out under the Lionel name, and all the other variations which have been released as MTH models.
It’s all so convoluted, who know what really is going on. Just give me some nice models.
Thanks for clearing it up. Looks like real good news for modelers who do sound! But what I like even more is the Idea that the engines are being released with and withOUT sound. [:D]
Is LOKsound the same company that does the sound for Trix?
Loksound is the same German company that did the sound for the Trix Big Boy, but the PCM will use Loksound 3, not Loksound version 2 that the Trix used. This newer version has multiple inputs into the sound generator and overcomes many of the short comings of the Trix installed 4015 sound. The following list is from the PCM Big Boy details section.
Home page for PCM below. Look under Big Boy for complete details. They are listing Back EMF as one of their features.
Authentic Articulated Synchronized Chuff
4-Channel Sound for playback of 4 sounds simultaneously
Whistle
Bell
Squealing brakes
Flange Squeal
Doppler effect
Air let off (in neutral)
Load Dependent Sound
8MBit Sound memory for complex sounds
Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) - Back EMF Active at low speeds for smooth slow running operation with reduced influence at high speeds
Back EMF also active in conventional AC or DC mode: User has full control of motor and acceleration
Switcher mode (half speed) can be activated with a function button
Newest 20 function mapping. Multiple allocations possible for the combination of sound and functions
Full short circuit protection for motor and function outputs
LokSound Programmer compatible for PC control and upgrade of LokSound system or installation of custom sounds
I look at it this way–we’re getting a die-cast AC-12, which will probably pull as much if not more than the prototype. I say HOORAY, no matter WHO it comes from, LOL!
I just hope they remember to program in the ‘talking’ pumps when it arrives.
Tom [:P][:P]
I hope you are correct about the Die-cast AC-12. I looked at the description on the PCM web page, and only the Big Boy is listed as Die-cast at this time.
I was wondering if you read the description about the AC-12 on some other release from PCM?? They do list the AC-12, but no details that I can find.
I would welcome a plastic AC-12 Cab Forward, it it was weighted properly.
I’m an N scaler and after seeing and hearing Broadway Limited engines, I am excited about this new company PCM. The E-6’s in particular. I hope they do us a big boy in N scale. Or some articulated for that matter.