ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
today i see a second hand BLI daylight for sell, and yes its beautiful ! but the problem is, it is say that " it does not run in reverse " which means it can not go backwards. so can anyone tell my what is the possible problem of this loco ? maybe i can buy this daylight and fix it myself if i have enough knowledge and information to fix this.
If it isn't a decoder problem, it suggests to me that the drive mechanism has slop and a bind that prevents it from getting past the 'loading up' portion as the motor generates torque. Most locos have a bit of a hitch in one direction in the HO hobby world. Not that it is noticeable in most cases because it is very slight. But, these things are not Swiss watches. If they run well in one direction, they may hesitate cyclically when the gears are forced at an angle when in the opposite direction. The shafts slid toward one or the other end of their travel and the gears don't mesh well. It is the case that shimming may prevent this gear lash problem.
It means taking off the shell and watching what happens with the drive mechanism opened to viewing when the loco moves back and forth. It may be something as simple as a cover needing to be snapped back into place over the gear tower. Sometimes they pop off and the loco works reasonably well only in one direction as a result. I have heard of some BLI steamers and some other make diesels where this has been found.
FWIW, BLI will repair anything for which it still has parts for a nominal fee, including return shipping, of about $45.
well, i have been already talk to the seller, and she said " It does move in reverse at first but it hesitates and then just stops. " and she not really sure why Why it could happen.
from what you write down, I had the confidence to buy this BLI daylight, and maybe i think i will try to fix by my self ( in fact, i never touch a screw driver to open a loco because im totally newbie on this hobby ). and i have been looking for find some brand new SP daylight but all sold out and no one said that they will restock for future.
lets say, IF i buy this loco, Do you mind to help me to fix it up ? maybe give me a little step how to open the shell ?
If you can post pictures of the loco you will get plenty of help fixing any problems. I don't model HO but BLI are supposed to be quite good.
What Crandell said about the binding is really accurate. Mechanically speaking the little electric motors in our locos are far simpler than say an internal combustion engine so a problem like you describe is unlikely to be anything but drivetrain related or a funky decoder.
Curiosity, I have no experience with that particular locomotive, so I can't help you. If there is a local hobby club nearby, someone there will know how to get the shell off without breaking wires or the tiny details and railings. If you care careful, curious, and reasonably handy, you should be able to remove the shell yourself. It usually involves a screw under the cab and one under the pilot (cowcatcher) at the front, maybe under the front swivelling truck. Often the shell slides forward a bit, away from the cab, and then you tilt it up and lift it off. Just never move more than a few millimeters while you keep an eye for tightening wires under the shell that you don't want to break away.
If so, it looks as though it may be going to be re-released, as they are saying to order now. Note that this is their Paragon 2 line that has DCC and sound, check to see if the one you are looking at has that as well. Note the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) and judge for yourself if the cost of having repairs done makes it a worthwhile purchase just to get one of them now. Write to BLI and ask when the re-release is scheduled for and also get a quote from them regarding repairs.
P.S. On looking again I see they do list a DC/non sound version. At the top of that page there is a delivery schedule button. It shows that loco (down at the very bottom) as having last been delivered in June 2011 but confirms the are taking orders.
I have an N scale loco with tender that didn't run. I found that one of the screws on the brass contact that connects the wheel on the loco to the body was stripped. and the contact spring wires from tender to loco was spread to far and wasn't making contact. I adjusted the tension on those and replaced the stripped screw and viola. Runs like a charm.
Does anyone have the BLI GS4? I thought about getting one once and all the reviews were pretty bad - issues like this one with bad drivetrain or sound not working, etc. I just wondered if this was just a few outspoken people or if the loco had really poor quality control.
I have two of their paragon 2 2-8-2's and they are awesome, no issues.
I don't model HO but BLI are supposed to be quite good.
