I have at least three P4 steamers. One is the ATSF Mikado released two-plus years ago, and I have the Blue Goose ATSF Hudson, and recently acquired the P4 FEF in UP livery. They're very nice, especially with the keep-alive componentry. Sound is excellent, programming with my DB150 has never been an issue with any loco, any importer, any decoder...so no probs there. They all run reliably on my tracks, and look expensive...which they are. My only three other steam importers are the Rivarossi early models with LokSound decoders, a Heisler and an Allegheny 2-6-6-6, and a Trix 2-8-2 in New York Central livery....a very nice model. They are all run well. The last one in steam that is non-BLI for me is the 23-year old Lionel HO Challenger in greyhound livery. It's not a premium locomotive compared to modern steam issues, but it's one of my favourite steamers...right from Day One.... In total, I have Paragons, P2's, and P4's (no P3's), some with their now-25 year old QSI decoders, numbering at least 14 that I can recall quickly. These include a Paragon Hudson and Niagara, both again in P2, several brass hybrids (six of those), T1 Duplex and J1a 2-10-4 (both still working on QSI), a I1sa 2-10-0 (P2), and even put a QSI Titan decoder in a Blueline Class A 2-6-6-4. I think that's 16 BLI steamers. All running.
I own no BLI diesels. Mine are all Atlas, Genesis, or Rapido. But I have not read numerous complaints about BLI diesels either. I hope you get some help from knowledgeable BLI diesel owners.
