Re: BLI Steam Models

I just got the all diecast metal Paragon Series Platinum PRR K4s Pacific #1453 with sound and think it is super looking. Maybe I am simple and easy to please, but I hope they come out with more all diecast metal steam locomotives soon.

Jim

I am happy with my Pennsy M1a, but then I am not a rivet counter either. It runs great and sounds pretty cool. :-)

John

On Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:51:17 UTC, snipped-for-privacy@webtv.net (Gary Mittner) wrote: 2000

My Espee AC-4 is a bit of a mixed bag. Except for the color of the lettering (s/b lettering gray rather than white) and silver painted handrails and cab steps the overall impression is outstanding. The model captures the feel perfectly, and mind you I saw the real ones. Some of the details, such as the turbo generator, the feedwater heater, and the air pumps are so-so. OTOH the cab front, the under cab detail and the valve gear are better than I have seen on many brass models.

On balance, if any of the shortcomings were to bother me I could easily fix them. They don't

Guys, For two extremely in-depth reviews on the new Paragon Platinum BLI K4, one on detailing and one on the mechanism and sound go here

the reviews are on the K4 many similarities in general detail and operation to other BLI steam locomotives are noted and comparisons are made to other K4s in brass and the Bachmann Spectrum. Bruce

I have put the N&W "A" next to a recent brass import, and the difference is obvious. The brass import has much more fine detail, piping and conduits, and overall "texture". On the other hand, it also cost 4 times more.

I have the SP cab forward. Detail is adequate but I find it very annoying that one "sees through" the engine under the firebox at eye level. Evidently detail in this area was left off to allow the "fixed" engine to swing around curves. I have some very high track and this becomes very noticeable. I am also not at all happy with this engine mechanically, and it was the second one I got after sending the first back. It is a very jerky starter, and I doubt I'll have any more, even though I model mostly Santa Fe and they are making two engines in my prototype.

rs

Check out the visible gearboxes on some of the models.

Thanks for the replys guys. I am a bit surprised more of the locos were not mentioned as having little problems. No mention of the N&W, The USRA's, NYC Hudson's? Hmmm, are they errorless?

Bruce, I am well aware of the reviews of the K4s locos in TKM. I had a hand in one of them. I was just curious if it was just the PRR Locos the ones being released with the silly/stupid mistakes and or odd variations only found on a few prototypes that were chosen to be modeled. The PRR had 425 K4s Pacifics, BLI basic issues 2 versions, the prewar and post war. First the Prewar is completely wrong detail wise and their Post War version only represents about 15 of the 425 locos. 15 fairly rare versions of the 425 built! The February issue of the TKM will provide "fixes" to help get the model K4s locos to the standard that they should have been produced by BLI originally. 2 versions will be featured.

Just cross your fingers that BLI can start improving with each release. It hasn't happened yet. BLI has found a niche with what they are supplying. Hope they don't blow it....Gary