Broadway Limited

[Switch Track]

Sorry about all the questions, but I might be spending money tomorrow. Can anyone please explain the difference between BLI, Blueline, and Paragon2 locomotives for me? I am seeking information in terms of quality.



Thanks so much,

ST

 

[hamltnblue]

BLI is broadway limited
Blueline is BLI's line that includes Sound and DCC ready
Paragon 2 is identical to Blueline but it has DCC installed
I have 3 Bluelines and love them, but adding DCC is challenging.
If you can wait go with the paragon 2 version. If you must spend now then Blueline with a good decoder will do just as good, with a learning curve.

 

[lmackattack]

Hamlteblue...I have a Blueline Heavy mike and to add a motor decoder all I had to do was pop the tender shell and plug in the decoder? I thought all bluelines are DCC ready?

Switch... I have a BLI and a blueline Heavy mike. the details are the same between both with the exception of a few things, such as the front couplers(one is fake)
the blueline pulls better as it has tires. and the motor control seams better but its a later model. The only reason I bought the BLI was that it was on ebay for cheap.

IMO a DCC ready blueline will save you some in the end. Adding a $20 motor decoder to converts it to DCC very easy.

look at some of the new paragon 2 that will be coming out. they have some very cool ideas being added to the next run. also look at trainsdirect for deals. I think they are part of BLI and its basicly a factory direct store with great discounts. around Christmas you could get some of the blueline diesels for $80!!

Trent

 

[Switch Track]

hamltnblue and Imackattack,

Thanks so much for your extremely informative help. I do not plan on going DCC, since I do not have enough room. At most I might be able to run three trains simultaneously, but the reality is I might find it cumbersome to run more than two.

I did buy a Blueline ATSF 4-8-4 3751 from www.factorydirecttrains.com a week ago. I haven't received it yet, but I am excited. Most of my HO road names is ATSF, so I want to stay as close to it as possible.

Since my foray into HO railroading a few weeks ago I have done as much 'net research as possible. It seems BLI has a solid reputation. I will buy a Paragon2 Hudson when it is available. I have an American Flyer Hudson that's about fifty years young. It is an impressive work of art! And it stills runs great!!! Now I want a quality one in HO!

If Genesis were to market something other than UP, I certainly would consider buying a steam locomotive from them. I have been elated with the two Genesis F-7 locomotives I own. I will buy a Genesis ATSF F-7 passenger locomotive when they hit market.

Thank God for the Internet. I have been thoroughly impressed with the vast knowledge of the engineers posting here! And I do greatly appreciate all the great advice and help I have received here.



Happy railroading,


ST

 

[Frisco]

hamltnblue and Imackattack

If Genesis were to market something other than UP, I certainly would consider buying a steam locomotive from them.

tertrtertetet

They do. They just came out with a verry nice looking Southern Pacific MT-4.

 

[GN.2-6-8-0]

hamltnblue and Imackattack,

Thanks so much for your extremely informative help. I do not plan on going DCC, since I do not have enough room. At most I might be able to run three trains simultaneously, but the reality is I might find it cumbersome to run more than two.

I did buy a Blueline ATSF 4-8-4 3751 from www.factorydirecttrains.com a week ago. I haven't received it yet, but I am excited. Most of my HO road names is ATSF, so I want to stay as close to it as possible.

Since my foray into HO railroading a few weeks ago I have done as much 'net research as possible. It seems BLI has a solid reputation. I will buy a Paragon2 Hudson when it is available. I have an American Flyer Hudson that's about fifty years young. It is an impressive work of art! And it stills runs great!!! Now I want a quality one in HO!

If Genesis were to market something other than UP, I certainly would consider buying a steam locomotive from them. I have been elated with the two Genesis F-7 locomotives I own. I will buy a Genesis ATSF F-7 passenger locomotive when they hit market.

Thank God for the Internet. I have been thoroughly impressed with the vast knowledge of the engineers posting here! And I do greatly appreciate all the great advice and help I have received here.



Happy railroading,


ST

You'll be pleased with your choice of the A.T.S.F 4-8-4 just finished breaking mine in and their a real sweetheart

 

[lmackattack]

Late today a friend was Runing his BLI bigboys.He had about 130 cars and was doubleheading it with his other bigboy. Just for fun he unhooked the lead bigoy and the 2nd bigboy was pulling all 130 cars on the flat and up any slight incline.! it only needed a little finger help on the big inclines with curves involved. Later as the club got busy he left one unit pulling 95 cars with ease. first time I have ever seen one engine pull over 110 freight cars!