The new N scale Broadway Limited ALco PA's have arrived. I got my Santa Fe ABA set #59 today and I am attaching some pics. Overall, I am very impressed, although there are some minor issues. On the plus side, they LOOK GOOD and SOUND EVEN BETTER. I do like the Paragon 2 sound features, compared to my DSX equipped KATOS. I haven't yet had time to analyze and program all the available DCC features, but my initial reaction is simply WOW! In default, the locos creep along at step 1 very slowly and the decoder has auto notching as well as manual notching override. The Wabco horns are sweet also. We've never had it this good... The representation of stainless steel and silver paint is excellent, and in the right places. The Santa Fe red is a a better/redder color then the KATO version, but a little flat to my eyes. Not a problem for a slightly used loco, but not quite right for a new paint job IMHO. The red paint also seems a little thick along the number boards. But, I don't want to take away from the overall model; Broadway did an excellent job. Next, I've got to try operation, running the 12-car mostly brass Chief up my 2.2% grades to Summit without helpers... To be continued, I am sure... Thanks BLI! Otto
Otto, that's great. I got a A-B pair and feel the same way. Do your two A units run exactly equal all across the speed range, in both directions? (I and also friends have had problems in the past with these BLI/PCM traction-tire equipped locos, in that sometimes we can't get them to be exactly speed matched at all points in the speed range in both directions, and then the traction tires start "hopping"). Just wondering. Thx for the great pics.
John, I haven't yet had time to test the PA's, but in principle, I am not crazy about the traction tires. Frankly, I do not understand why BLI thinks they are necessary, other then the dummy B unit is ridicuously heavy (2.6oz!). I wish we could buy spare axles without traction tires; KATO PA's have no traction tires and pull quite well, thank you. I've learned that with the BLI/Precision E units, the traction tires sometimes "bite" into the track and overload the loco under load; I'd rather have it slip and power the B units if necessary... Take care, Otto
Otto, I did hear on another forum, that upon request, BLI will provide replacement rear axle wheels without the traction tire. I've not actually requested this myself so would like to know if that rumor is true. Also, if it is true.... then how easy is it for one to replace the wheelset ... is dis-assemble of the trucks easy enough? Thx again, Otto, for the pictures, and I don't mean to hijack your thread.
I see they have the Santa Fe style number boards above the windshield. Cool. Are they lighted? I had to add some to my Katos but they are not lighted.
Can someone post photos of the BLI and Kato PAs side by side? I'm curious as I have an A-B set of Kato PAs on order.
Here's one, the only one I have available right now. You can see the differences in nose length and contour, color. The KATOS have a darker red tone. Otto
It looks like the BLI PAs have wire handrails, and the Kato units have a different contour to the roof hatches. Wow...those are really nice. Does the sound work if you're not running DCC?
Yes John it is true, I did this on my E7's and it worked great. Just called them up and asked for wheel sets to replace the traction tire set. They actually pull better now without the traction tire and the pick up is much better also.
They look great, but mine will be true to form and will turn up after next Saturday's club running day. The people at the post office must wonder what I'm doing camping outside each morning. That number board above the windshields is certainly a Santa Fe signature item. It's good to see a start being made by some manufacturers with roadname specific details in N scale.
Hi, all, No, the numberboard over the cab is not lit. SSWJim, how easy/hard was it to swap the rear traction tire wheels with the non-traction tire wheels? Later this week I hope to post more side-by-side photos of the Kato PA and these BLI PAs (in Santa Fe, of course).
I order a LOT of stuff from Hobby Search in Japan and I often wonder when US customs is going to knock on my door. lol John, I would love to see more comparison photos. The BLI PAs come in the D&RGW silver and orange, where my Grande PAs are in Aspen gold. Anyone getting the BLI Grande units?
Agreed, the Paragon 2 sound is very impressive. I especially like the start up/ shut down sequences and all the sharp little background sounds, hisses and pops. They are very loud as they come, but that can be easily programmed to a lower sound level. Also, double punching F8 brings up/down the sound level in eight different steps. Cool. The ALco sound is very good, and the Wabco two chime horn is very realistic also. There are two other horns available (one sounds like a five chime Leslie, the other I have no idea; a Greyhound bus maybe ?... Overall I am very pleased. Unfortunately, I've been unable to change the 03 default address with my NCE Procab on the main or on the program track; I'll borrow a friend's Powercab to see it that works. To be con't... Otto
I wish they would provide a Nathan M-5. It would be more appropriate than most of their other offerings. Horn 1 is a Wabco A-2 Horn 2 is a Nathan K3LA Horn 3 is either a Wabco E-2 or Leslie A-200 (hard to tell the difference). The Wabco A-2 was a single-note horn used primarily on switchers, especially most Alco switchers. It had both a long bell and short bell version (15 in. and 11-5/32 in. respectively). When used singly, the long bell was generally the one used. Factory tuning was: D for the long bell, G for the short bell. The model sounds like the long bell version. These are not used much anymore, and would not be appropriate for a PA anyway. Here is a sample: Wabco A-2: http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/a2_2frrs.wav The Nathan K3LA is a very popular and common horn used by many railroads. It is still in use. Here is a sample: Nathan K3: http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/k3l_5bnsf.wav Wabco E-2 and Leslie A-200 are similar. The Wabco E-2 is a slightly higher pitch and a little more mellow (F below middle C, about 175 HZ) while the Leslie A-200 sounds D# (156 HZ). I'm not sure you can tell the difference between them on an N scale sound system. You can check sound samples here: Wabco E-2: http://atsf.railfan.net/airhorns/e2_4sim.wav
If you read the manual you'll see the correct way to program these locomotives on the programming track. First program the lead locomotive using CV 230 to value one. You then use CV 19 which must be a value from one to 127. Use the first two locomotive address numbers. Then test run the locomotive. For the second powered locomotive use CV 230 =2. For the CV 19 value, read the manual. It tells you how to get this value. I don't have the manual handy at the moment or else I'd post it. This will set up your locomotives correctly. Have fun.
Bob, thanks, but you missed my point. The decoders would not take ANY address on my older NCE system. I've since borrowed a Powercab which puts out more power and had no trouble changing the address. HOWEVER, a I now have new problem:One of my PA's keeps resetting itself to factory default everytime power is interrrupted or the loco is taken off the track. The other one is fine. I am baffled. Also, has anyone figured out how to take the shell off without damaging anything? Regards, Otto
