I'm going to be purchasing my first DCC diesel locomotive with sound, recommendations?

[tc1961N]

I would like some recommendations on a sub 300$ diesel loco, 4 or 6 axle, decent startup sounds and with radio chatter, works mostly out of the box and easy to program with JMRI. If used what's a good one?

 

[Selector]

Perhaps Bachmann or BLI, but I haven't been keeping up. There is also Bowser, Intermountain, Athearn Genesis, and Walthers. Atlas has a solid reputation as well. Really, you have to identify a specific locomotive, which railroads operated them, and then go from there. All are warranted, so if you get a dud, send it back.

 

[RhB Michael]

I could make many outstanding recommendations near that price point, but I doubt you are modeling anything in Europe. Good luck.

 

[CambriaArea51]

I've been very happy with Scale Trains. They have the keep alive in them which is nice to have.

 

[bnsf971]

If this is the first you’re getting, get a new one. You don’t want to have the double learning curve of sound/programming/operation and fixing everything wrong with a used engine without any manufacturer support.
As for JMRI friendliness, Soundtraxx is easier to deal with than ESU.

 

[Espeefan]

What do you like? In the sub $300 range there isn't much out there anymore unless you go with one of the Athearn models with the Soundtraxx Econami in them. They run and make noise, but the Econami is missing features the standard Tsunami comes with, so it will depend on how deeply you want to get into DCC. Atlas is pretty solid but they're jiggling the line on your price point as well.

 

[Marlin39]

Plenty of options in the BLI outlet. I've bought some of the refurbished and they are basically a new engine, with warranty.

Certified Refurbished

Save with Certified Refurbished Every refurbished product undergoes thorough testing to guarantee BLI quality and includes the same warranty as brand new products. Every refurbished train is thoroughly serviced and tested to meet our standards. Some may carry small, unlisted blemishes that...

broadway-limited.com

 

[RhB Michael]

Those are good deals.

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

Plenty of options in the BLI outlet. I've bought some of the refurbished and they are basically a new engine, with warranty.

Certified Refurbished

Save with Certified Refurbished Every refurbished product undergoes thorough testing to guarantee BLI quality and includes the same warranty as brand new products. Every refurbished train is thoroughly serviced and tested to meet our standards. Some may carry small, unlisted blemishes that...

broadway-limited.com

I Just got my first BLI engine (For dirt cheap). I am stoked! I am going to run it sometime this week (After reassembling. It needed some work).

 

[tc1961N]

I wound up ordering a new BLI GP20 CWRY....I'm fascinated by the radio chatter effect for some reason....
Incentive now to sell old hobby stuff to finance new and final hobby stuff, Stuff leaves my basement which allows for layout expansion(lol), my wife is happy stuff leaves and I can buy more without affecting finances which prevents my wife from complaining too much

 

[tc1961N]

All I can say is wow!.. BLI GP20 CWRY- Brand new! It arrived about an hour ago and it works great....great features even in DC mode....starts up and everything with sound in DC!
DCC works great too and radio chatter is cool....
Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it!

 

[Marlin39]

Register your model just in case you need the warranty. Use your receipt for the details asked for.

Warranty Options – Broadway Limited Imports

 

[tc1961N]

Register your model just in case you need the warranty. Use your receipt for the details asked for.

Warranty Options – Broadway Limited Imports

Wow, Thanks! I will get this done.