I finally gave into temptation and got a BLI AC-5 4-8-8-2. This machine is much heavier than I imagined.
I had to get a loan to afford it, but hey, its here. So I’m in the hole $385 now. [|(]
One question. Are the cab lights supposed to flicker when the power is on, but the motor is not moving? This doesn’t seem normal.
Congratulations! It’s a nice feeling to get that locomotive you’ve been dreaming about!
Hope you enjoy running her!
Cool Jonesy! I’ve considered more brass but that would lead to even greater expenses in the form of a divource lawyer.
Gordon
No, it’s not normal for the cab lights to flicker when the locomotive is standing still – read through the instruction manual that came with the locomotive. Are you running it on DC or DCC? The only BLI model I own is their new 2-8-2 Mikado running on DCC only, and as with any other locomotive, a flickering headlight when it is running indicates dirty track or wheels. The cab light flickering may be BLI’s way of telling you that you’re running on DC and not DCC.
Aggro,
Aren’t these locos cool??? RE the flickering lights: In DC mode the locomotive uses up the first 5-6 volts you give it to power up all the systems before it will start moving. Perhaps you don’t have quite enough power on the tracks when the loco is standing still. In DCC mine don’t flicker at all. Have only run the once in DC and didn’t notice a flicker. You might contact BLI if you don’t solve it. It sounded like you might buy one of these from your earlier posts. Glad you got one.
Guy
Straight DC. But my BLI J1e doesn’t flicker. Do you think the AC-5 just has different electronics that cause this?
Aggro,
Try resetting the loco to see if that helps. The switch is in the tender under a hatch…
Guy
No. Resetting the locomotive didn’t stop the flickering.
Does anyone else’s AC-4/5 has distorted sound? Even with the volume low, the sound waves still vibrate strange. Compared to the J1e, the sounds are kinda rough.
Congrats, Aggro. Like Antonio said, it’s a great feeling to get the loco you really want, isn’t it? As for the AC-5/4, why not contact BLI, or return it and get another? But then again, you’re in the hole $385…