Cab Forward
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They are not the same prototype - the BLI model is an AC4, the Intermountain is an AC12. I don't own one of the BLI ones, but their steam locos are usually pretty decent. They can be a bit noisy sometimes (even with the sound turned off) but they usually settle down once broken in.
I do have an Intermountain AC12. It's the non-sound version, I put a DCC decoder in it - probably TCS but it may be Digitrax, dunno. It has an extremely low speed gear ratio. I've heard some really high numbers but don't know which one is correct. It runs *very* slow. Mine runs well but it won't go over 20-25 mph with a train behind it. Which may be fine, depending on your application but there's not much you can do about it. In terms of the detail, it's head and shoulders above the BLI. I don't know what the plans are for the future - again, I've heard conflicting stories that they would / would not change the gearing on future runs. It's a beautiful loco, but hard to say how it would stand up to long term continuous running. The BLI steamers have a pretty good track record there. Not whisper quiet, but surprisingly durable.
Andy
There's also the Rivarossi Cab Forwards that were done in the 90s, with RP25 flanges - they ran very nicely too. I don't know if Riv. has re-issued it since being absorbed by Hornby, but they probably will eventually.
Andy
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HaggisKennedy
Coal Shoveler
I think the Intermountain will be the better bet, but I haven't seen a review of the IM one with sound yet, which is what a lot of folks are waiting for.
Kennedy
Kennedy
They are not the same prototype - the BLI model is an AC4, the Intermountain is an AC12. I don't own one of the BLI ones, but their steam locos are usually pretty decent. They can be a bit noisy sometimes (even with the sound turned off) but they usually settle down once broken in.
I do have an Intermountain AC12. It's the non-sound version, I put a DCC decoder in it - probably TCS but it may be Digitrax, dunno. It has an extremely low speed gear ratio. I've heard some really high numbers but don't know which one is correct. It runs *very* slow. Mine runs well but it won't go over 20-25 mph with a train behind it. Which may be fine, depending on your application but there's not much you can do about it. In terms of the detail, it's head and shoulders above the BLI. I don't know what the plans are for the future - again, I've heard conflicting stories that they would / would not change the gearing on future runs. It's a beautiful loco, but hard to say how it would stand up to long term continuous running. The BLI steamers have a pretty good track record there. Not whisper quiet, but surprisingly durable.
Andy
Larry
Long Winded Old Fart
If you could find a used Rivarrosi or even a new one someplace they were fine loco's or were in my days of steam. I use to have 2 of them back in the late 60's. They were pretty well detailed & seemed to have a higher speed than the one's I've seen run lately & would pull a lot of cars.
Just my 2 cents of the older days.
Larry
Just my 2 cents of the older days.
Larry
There's also the Rivarossi Cab Forwards that were done in the 90s, with RP25 flanges - they ran very nicely too. I don't know if Riv. has re-issued it since being absorbed by Hornby, but they probably will eventually.
Andy
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