Right out of the box, you know BLI did their homework. This locomotive looks like it was meant to run and it does in spades. I hooked this loco to 18 streamlined passenger cars and it pulled them no problem up a 1.5% grade around a 32″ radius curve.
Comparing the model to pictures of similar locomotives it appears to be a very accurate representation. I’m sure there are discrepancies concerning various appliances depending upon the prototype, however I think BLI’s overall accuracy is very good. Details on my model that I love are the Scullen drivers.
Mechanically the model operates flawlessly. With the sound off, the locomotive crawls at speed step one smoothly and quietly. I programmed CV2=40 and CV5=215 to adjust the starting and max voltages to fine tune the running characteristics in addition to setting speed tables etc.
DCC control and sound is by QSI. The performance and capability of the QSI decoder is outstanding. Multiple lighting, sound, and motor control can be programmed using a DCC system. A comprehensive and detailed technical resource of QSI’s capabilities can be found at their website http://www.qsisolutions.com/.
Sound is provided by two 1.1″ speakers. Upon blowing the whistle, I detected a vibration from the tender so I lined the tender’s interior with electrical tape and a small strip of packing foam along the top. I felt this improved the tone of the sound and eliminated the vibration [it is brass]. The sound is clear with no distortion at maximum volume.
The chuff rate matches the cylinders properly [4 for every driver revolution]. A feature I like is when you are at speed you can have the engine ‘coast’; push the F5 button and the chuff volume decreases simulating an engine going downhill. My other favorite feature on this engine is the whistle. It starts of as a long moan, crescendos, fades, then ends in a high single blast! I don’t think I will get tired of hearing it.
The retail price of this locomotive is $450.00, however I have seen it listed with reputable dealers for $329.00
Broadway has produced an outstanding model and while not inexpensive, in relative terms to other brass or plastic locomotives it is the best locomotive I’ve seen for the price. It is a good time to be a model railroader. Way to go BLI!
