The concept behind the BL2 was, more or less, to take the mechanicals of an F unit and house them in a modified streamlined body.
The BL2 was a transitional type of locomotive that could be used as dual-service power and would give crews better visibility for use on branch lines (hence the “BL”).
The first of the BL carbody models was the BL1, built as a demonstrator in February 1948. The BL1 was virtually identical, both internally and externally, to the BL2 (which followed in production in April 1948).
The BL2 locomotive mustered 1,500 horsepower. A steam generator was optionally available for passenger train operation. Initially, designers at the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors decided against equipping the engine for multiple-unit operation (how dumb was that?), but this omission was later corrected.
Operationally, crews had better visibility than in a cab unit, but the maintenance force had worse access. The BL2 itself was a reliable GM product, but it looked too strange to catch on. However the carbody design helped show the way to the less-streamlined yet more utilitarian GP7/9 carbody.
A mere 59 BL1 and BL2 diesels were built, and five still exist: two from Bangor & Aroostook engines, two from Western Maryland, and one Monon.
Opening the box
Like in the beginning of A Christmas Carol, when you must understand that Marley is dead or the rest of the story makes no sense, there is one point I need to make up front. This O gauge model is a quality diesel that sells for less than $200. The Williams by Bachmann BL2 is a scale-sized model that is a solid representative of the Williams line.
Pulling this rig out of the packaging, I needed a minute or two for its rather unusual lines to soak in.
The rolling edges ahead of the cab and the long, low-sloping angle of the body behind the cab are so cool. This baby just needs a few Buick-style portholes and some fins and you’d have one heck of a street rod!
Most of the detailing is cast-in to the shell, rather than added on. All the major detail points are there, including screens and louvers. There are lots of rivets as well as cast-in rooftop details. The aforementioned gentle arcing sides are exceptionally sleek and even.
Add-on wire items include handrails at pilots and the cab doors, above the cab windows, and on the engineer’s side of the locomotive nose.
Cab steps on the shell are cast in, but there are metal steps affixed to the lead trucks on the fireman’s side of the long-hood end. You’ll also find add-on metal cab steps affixed to the truck, while the cab steps on the shell are cast in. There are two add-on horns and red marker light lenses on both ends (although they do not function).
Keeping in mind that Williams is a value-priced product line, don’t be surprised to look in the cab window and see … a can motor. It is amazing how quickly we’ve come to expect engineer figures and motor shields, but hey, at this price point I can live without them.
The painting of the model was great – the challenging EMD demonstrator color scheme on the flanks (silver, yellow, silver, blue, yellow, blue, silver, yellow, and silver) was clean and crisp with edges that were straight – even when running over seams and rivets.
In addition to the demonstrator paint scheme, the BL2 comes in Bangor & Aroostook, Boston & Maine, Chesapeake & Ohio, Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Florida East Coast, Missouri Pacific, Monon, Rock Island, and Western Maryland (fireball scheme).
On the test track
A reader was once quizzing me about Williams diesels, and he asked, “Aren’t they all really the same?”
To me, the obvious answer was “No,” but I asked, “What do you mean by ‘aren’t they all the same?”
And he replied, “Aren’t they all just just two big old can motors with minimal electronics?”
Ah. Yes, indeed, and that’s just dandy in my book.
Two big can-style motors, an electronic reversing unit, and a minimalist sound system may have been the keys to success during the Jerry Williams years. And they may continue to be in the Bachmann years.
Let me hoist a tube of smoke fluid to that concept!
The motors on the BL2 are robust and rugged, and in my experience the simplified electronics avoid quite a bit of “Why is it doing that?” or “Why doesn’t it move?” consternation. And if you want fancy sound and control systems, the uncomplicated innards generally allow you to install upgrades easily.
In operation, the model was quiet, and the all-natural clickety-clack sound of the rails was relaxing. The motors were responsive to transformer commands, and the flywheel brought trains to a smooth stop.
Our low-speed average was 12 scale miles per hour, and the high-speed average was 65 scale miles per hour. Drawbar pull for the model was a solid 2 pounds, 3 ounces.
The Tru-Blast II horn is a satisfactory digital reproduction of a diesel horn grade-crossing sequence.
To me, this is a terrific alternative to over-amplified, everything-and-the-kitchen-sink sound systems. Plus, it sounds way better than a postwar-style door buzzer diesel horn.
The model has two power pickup rollers – one on each truck – that are 7½ inches apart. Each truck has two traction tires. The locomotive also features die-cast metal truck frames and operating thumbtack couplers.
As seen from the 21st century, the carbody design of the BL2 is wonderfully retro. The execution of the model is solid and workmanlike, and the price is outstanding.
Like that certain battery bunny, Williams diesels keep on keepin’ on. The Williams by Bachmann BL2 diesel demonstrates a robust performance that will suit the experienced O gauge enthusiast or serve as a great second locomotive for that new modeler.
Price: $199.95
Features: O-27 operation, two can-style motors, Tru-Blast II digital horn, die-cast metal trucks and couplers
Staff comments:
Neat-looking, excellent pulling power, superb price point. – Bob.
Sure to join my rapidly growing modern-era fleet. – Roger.
A snappy paint scheme on a simple, yet solid performer – Kent.
A rock-solid, no-frills runner. Too bad the can motor is painfully obvious through the windshield. A plastic view block would be a great enhancement to a fine locomotive. – Carl.
The BL2 is a fine, sleek engine. I have the Monon road name from a previous issue but I plan to purchase the Rock Island. A plastic shield to cover the can is a great idea but why not add a scale photo of yourself to the windshield? Too self-serving? Well, who's running this railroad anyway?
I purchased a Bangor & Aroostook in 2005 and a Rock Island in 2007 both have run trouble free in regular service. If you like a model that can run day after day for hours at a time any Williams product is a good choice. I have also done the series wiring modification. good review.
My C&O BL2 was one of my best purchases. I have had it over 3 years and have not had any problems. It runs like a champ and for the money you can't beat it. 4 of my last 5 locomotive purchases have been from Williams.
Bob Schulz (10-6-2009)
where can i get one
I like Williams diesels in general. I have re-wired several of mine so that the motors are in series. This makes them easier to control and less apt to jack rabbit starts. If you make this modification, their diesels can run at very slow speeds through complicated track work without stalling or de-railing. This one would probably make a good switcher if so modified.
George
I will have to try that trick. The starting voltage is dropped across both motors – neat.
I would like to see Bob Keller review WBB's new Baldwin Sharks in the demonstrator colors next. I also like his train box feature!
I like it! The Milwaukee Road may have to evaluate one on my layout. I know the real Milwaukee Road never ran them, but the number one rule of model railroading is "It's my layout!"