PCM E8 are out

Altoona1223 Jan 9, 2014

  1. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    That's were DCC has a huge advantage over DC, you can speed match them to run with almost any loco. It does takes a little work to do so, but very well worth it in the end!
     
  2. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    I returned the two undecorated E8A units I received early in January 2014 to BLI because of an apparent decoder problem. The rear truck of one seemed to be warped thus the coupler drooped. They were not speed matched out of the box for the short time they did run.
     
  3. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    The two unpainted E8A units I received run wonderful, almost a perfect match running together without even speed matching them. I really like the way the decoder can sense the locos motor draw and increase/decrease the sound of the primemover accordingly.
    It's really cool IMO to listen to the locos throttle up as they start pulling upgrade and then throttle down as they desend the grade.
     
  4. CBQ Fan

    CBQ Fan TrainBoard Member

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    These seem to have a delayed throttle response, very interesting. DCC just does not interest me with the size of my loco roster.
     
  5. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, it's one of the features, it allows the primemover to rev up befopre the loco moves. CV 245 turns it on or off, adjustment is made by setting CV248.
     
  6. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    rrjim1, I expected exactly what you posted as the way my locomotives would run; I already have other of the E6 and E7 units. It was not that way for my two.
     
  7. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, Roger no matter the manufacture there will always be a few lemons produced, nothing is perfect. Sure happy with my two BLI locos, really surprised they run so great together. The two Athearn F45 sound equiped locos I received ran completely different, I had a huge job of speed matching them but in the end it was well worth it.
     
  8. CBQ Fan

    CBQ Fan TrainBoard Member

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    I still find the dummy units odd in this day and age. That and they are offered in some but not all the road names.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  9. hoyden

    hoyden TrainBoard Supporter

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    John, thank you for sharing your wheelset replacement process. I replaced wheelsets in 4 E8's and they perform much better.
     
  10. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    The 2 E8s that I just received have a new style truck, the axle ends are pointed and the gears are narrower and black. If you are going to replace the rear axle you will need to know which version you have to be able to get the correct one.
     
  11. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    This is an excerpt from the letter of January 21, 2014 that accompanied these locomotives that had problems. These are all under the two year warranty.
    One EMD 1651 A unit problem; purchased 5/21/2012 – does not run

    One EMD 1672 A unit problem; purchased 6/7/2012 – does not run

    One EMD 1657 B powered problem; purchased 7/21/2012– does not run

    Two EMD 3069 A units problem; purchased 1/10/2014 – both do not run and window part broken on one and rear truck wrapped on one so coupler not at proper height.

    I understand total replacement value of these five locomotives per the MRSP in $1,000 USD.
    I still do not have the replacement or repaired locomotives. It is not clear why these problems were not discovered before the locomotives were shipped.
     
  12. scottryan

    scottryan TrainBoard Member

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    Kato just needs to make E6s and E7s and release more E8/9s and PAs to but the fork in PCM. PCM models are junk.
     
  13. Cajonpassfan

    Cajonpassfan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Those are harsh words, and patently untrue. PCM/BLI models are better detailed, and run well. Oh yea, and they sound infinitely better. I've sold off some of my Katos in anticipation of the new BLI's. I've only had one QC problem among my dozen or so units, and BLI replaced the loco no question asked. They may not be perfect but Junk? Really? We've never had it so good...
    Otto K.
     
  14. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Roger, it sounds like you've had more than your share of bad luck. Any contact back on your locos yet? Crossing fingers for you...

    For all, please remember that we all have opinions, some strong, on particular manufacturers. As with any other product, one bad experience can sour one on a manufacturer in general. It may not be the best reaction, but it is normal and understandable. We should all keep that in mind, and try as best we can not to snipe at others' opinions, keeping in mind the old axiom about opinions and backsides?
     
  15. rrjim1

    rrjim1 TrainBoard Member

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    My BLI E8s impressed me so well, that I have two PA1s in the mail right now. If they run like the my new E8s, I will be real happy. Kato locos don't even hold a candle to these as far as I'm concerned, the BLI locos run better, better slow speed, better detail, better couplers, and that not even including the sound. Keep in mind that these are different locos than the last run.
     
  16. scottryan

    scottryan TrainBoard Member

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    The pilot on the PCM E8/9 is from an E7. The curb appeal of the Kato is better; because the PCM looks out of scale when placed next to a Kato or Atlas model. Sound can be added to a Kato along with details.

    PCM has the same problem as Athrean. Their models look out of scale.

    IM F units look like a toy when placed next to a Kato F unit, due to the large coupling distance and excess place between the trucks and body on the IM model.

    I also don't trust being able to service a PCM, IM, or FVM loco in 20 years due to their poor QC and dead out of the box models.
     
  17. Cajonpassfan

    Cajonpassfan TrainBoard Supporter

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    Okay, it's all junk, including Athrean, other then Kato. Got it, thank you.
     
  18. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Let's not let this become personal, OK? Remember that just about any statement any of us make can and should be prefaced with "in my experience" or "to my eye." Even within a single run, I'm sure there are differences between units.

    Now for some of the points made:

    Weight - is there room inside the shell or chassis to shoehorn in some extra? Could help with tractive effort if such is possible.

    Traction tires - I understand what and how they help, is something like Bullfrog Snot usable to help?

    Let's try to keep talking reasonably about the subject, but remember two things - not everyone is going to be as devoted to a particular manufacturer as you may be, and the more folks we have coming up with products, the better things are for all of us.
     
  19. SF Chief

    SF Chief TrainBoard Member

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    OK, I ran my BLI SP Daylight E7s last weekend for the first time on the club layout pulling 16 cars (inc articulateds) from the Kato Daylight sets. Ran flawlessly for almost 2 hours at various speeds--horn, bell and engines all sounded great. Result: I'm very impressed with BLI and sound, and have since been daydreaming about getting other BLI products and decoders with sound for some of my other engines.
    One question though: does anyone know how to get the BLI E units to couple more closely? I noted that in his E7 review that Spookshow said "the couplers provide for some seriously close coupling", but I don't see it. And at this point I don't want to get too aggressive in probing or taking things apart for fear of damaging these beauties. Any suggestions? Thanks. Rick
     
  20. CBQ Fan

    CBQ Fan TrainBoard Member

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    I feel Kato and BLI are targeting two different market segments. DCC and sound vs DC and DCC upgrade. I still see them as not head to head competition. You can buy two Kato's for each BLI.


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