Has anyone bought a BLI NYC J1E OR J1D 4-6-4 Hudson from Trainworld? They have them on “Blowout” for $129.99. Seems I remember that BLI had a trade in for the Hudsons for $99. I was just curious whether these might be second-hand or reworks from BLI. Appreciate any input. [:)]
Also, what’s the difference between the J1E and the J1D? Lastly, of those of you who have the BLI Hudson, how do you like them? What DON’T you like about them? Thanks!
Tom
No idea… Why don’t you call them and ask? While it might be something that got squidged out of an ad, I doubt they’d outright lie about it if asked.
Even if that were the case, I’m not sure it would matter to me anyhow, especially if they carried full warranty.
Tom,
I don’t know but I strongly suspect they may be stock from initial run. If so, the question is are they refurbished? I guess one could ask Trainworld folks. For $129 dollars for good sound a question well worth asking. One thing I don’t like about their ads is the term assorted roads available. If you get a helpful person on the line they would probably have no problem responding to questions if you don’t…
I did buy something from them a few years back and I was astonished by their very fast delivery.
I have a J1e from the first run. One of the tender wheel sets was not making electrical contact. I did a hasty fix with small diameter wire from the axle wipers and axles to screw head securing the truck to tender. Also had to get a new spring that goes around this screw; one in place was damaged. In analog mine runs OK except for the fairly frequent maintence on the aforementioned fix. The headlight and tender light have a distinct blueish cast to them. So far my BLI champ puller is the E7. If your layout is mostly flat running the Hudson will pull a respectable number of passenger cars. (my p-cars are mostly Rivarossi and IHC. Both quite light compared to some) As the grade increases the capability drops off fairly significantly. I’ve got two grades one is embarrassingly steep and the Hudson makes it with five cars and a lot of wheel slip. Analog running if you don’t play the throttle right it’ll stall.
Last night I programmed it for DCC and it seemed to run smoother than analog. Yeah, I finally got the sequence right to program address via my MRC Advanced Prodigy. Thanks again forum posters for your help on that operator problem.
Not a direct answer to your question about T-World I know but a little background info doesn’t hurt.
Jon
Jon,
I bought a Proto 2000 Alco S1 switcher from Trainworld and was happy with both the locomoitve and Trainworld’s service. (The S1 was purchased and in my hands in 4 days.) I was more concerned about the Hudson possibly being refurbished units or reworks from BLI. I’ll fire off an e-mail to Trainworld to find out. Thanks!
Tom
If you just want to ask any questions call Trainworld’s non- 800 number and you will get answers. These people know their stuff. Do not expect a leisurely conversation about the weather while you are at it. 
If you get the stock numbers for the various models off BLI’s website that will help. If you know you are going to buy if they have so and so, call the 800 number and be sure you have the stock number(s), because the sales girls are not train experts.
I bought a J1d from Trainland. It is new, second run and runs beautifully. The price, $129.99 is unbelievable. It has the newer chip that allows you to program the engine the same as all the engines that came after the phase 1 J1e. It starts at a lower voltage than my first run J1e. The most obvious difference between the J1d and the J1e is that the former has an elesco feedwater heater protruding out of the smoke box on both sides and the latter has a coffin feedwater heater concealed within the smokebox. If you like Hudsons don’t hesitate to take advantage of the Trainworld/Trainland close out offer.
mdtell,
Guess your input puts the question into the “no brainer” catagory.
After taking the pledge not to(enough, enough, more locos than track-almost) your response has got the urge to purchase going again. Hey, it’s a fantastic deal isn’t that reason enough? No, I say to myself. Work with what you got. Oh, I think I’ll continue this argument with my better judgment off line.
Tom, if you’re persuaded to help Trainworld close out this item good luck with the Hudson. I hope it becomes a welcome stable mate to your BLI 2-8-2.
Jon
Oh, man-o-man, Tom. You got bit BIG, dincha? [(-D][:-,]
I have the TH&B version of the J1d. I have had no issues with it that were not of my own doing. I broke one of the tender pick-up tines, confessed to BLI, and they said send $7.00 and the loco. I got it back three weeks later and have not looked back.
It is a wonderful performer, looks and sounds really fine, and is my favourite in many ways. I really enjoy all of my locos, each carefully considered, and their numbers limited for just that reason. It looks like the prototypical big, fast workhorse that it was designed to be by the NYC. Just to put a fine point on my response, I paid $570 Cdn at the LHS in Nanaimo. The TW price computes to CDN $165, so whaddaya say?
-Crandell
Crandell,
Right now, this info is just for reference purposes. The $130 for the BLI Hudson IS very tempting. [sigh] BUT…after the recent purchase of the BLI Mike…AND another new Proto 2000 S1 (this time an Erie - $26.64 on eBay), it’s not presently in the budget and my layout isn’t setup nor big enough to run passanger service. Maybe at some point. Trainworld has had it on blowout for a few months now.
I already have a Stewart NYC FT A-B on special order. I’ve also have my eye on that re-released Proto 2000 0-8-0. (That one won’t be for a while either.)
Anyhow, thanks again everyone for the input…[:)]
Tom
After mdtell’s input the Nike ad phrase comes to mind.
“Just do it”
If your conscience or significant other questions your action.
Response, “The devil made me do it” The d-cretin gets to everyone at least once.
Jon
The ones on sale are listed as 001, which are the first run. It is a good model, but BLI had it redone and replaced many of these for unknown reasons to us. The new one has nickel plated drivers so the first one might not have plated drivers, but I have read they run good.
Jon,
I’m afraid I’m going to have to disagree with you on that one. That’s called shifting blame and not taking responsibility for your own actions. Just because I may “want” something" or am tempted by something, doesn’t necessarily legitimize the need for getting it. Quite often, what we “want” and what we “need” are entirely different and sometimes complete polar opposites in the whole scheme of things.
Granted, the $129.99 Hudson may be a quite a deal. BUT…I can still be happy and content if I don’t get it, too. [:)]
Tom
You’re stronger than I am, Tom. When I get a big hankering, I’ll do an unlimited amount of whining and dealing to get the loco. I have tried hard to not get my list and hopes up into the stratospheric range, but I still intend to acquire three more locos; a PRR J-1, a Consolidation, and a NYC S1b Niagara. Once I have those, I will be in 7th heaven. However, I am in 6th right now.
“A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”
Found out the following information from Trainworld on the BLI 4-6-4 Hudsons:
(Present availability & price)
BLI# - Road - Loco - Type - features - price
064 - NYC - #5275 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW & striping - $129.99
065 - NYC - #5297 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW, NO striping - $129.99
067 - TH&B - #502 - J1d - w/Elesco FHW & striping - $129.99
Also on the BLI website:
#064, #065, & #067 have an MSRP of $329.99. The older #'s are listed at $279.99. My guess is that these have the aforermentioned new drive mechanisms installed in them. If that is true, then these are quite a bargain.
Tom
[:P][dinner][sigh] What a great deal…these are with QSI, right?
Crandell,
Yep. Here’s the entire info on the 4-6-4 Hudsons from BLI’s web page:
Tom
Sheesh, Tom! Yer not makin’ it any easier!!! [sigh]
[:)]
As bangert1 said, “001” means the first run. I sent mine back. BLI’s $99 trade-in has significant change like a split frame for electrical isolation, an amber headlight instead of white, and others. I don’t know why the frame change is important, but the new J1e seems to be quieter and runs smoother (DCC).
Well we’re going over budget again.
To those who might be wondering. TH&B is “Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo” they bought some Hudsons from NYC.
Tom thanks for the update.
Jon
You can get good deals on close outs if you don’t mind not having the latest and greatest. Items are closed out not because they are of poor quality but because the manufacturer has come out with something newer and better. The closed out item is every bit as good as when it was the latest and greatest thing and selling at twice the price. It may not have all the bells and whistles (in this case maybe literally) as the newest thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great value.