Here's quick shot of the BLI E7's and PA's side by side in my staging yard. The spacing is not great, but pretty good with the factory installed diaphragms. It think to go closer, you'd need to replace the original diaphragms or go large radius curves. Mine go down to 18" so I think I will stick what I got. Regards, Otto
Hmmm... I sort of share some of Scottryan' comments about having a model that is backed by the reputation of a company which is likely to be around in 10-30 years from now. Kato's way of doing things may not be as desirable to us in the US, but their business model is likely to outlast other companies simply because they have THEIR OWN manufacturing facility in Japan. I'm not saying that the others mentioned are on 'thin ice' because they are reliant upon outside factories in China or Korea to manufacture their products... but... we certainly have seen the potential for distress on these companies as the production of their items was moved back and maybe even cancelled. That uncertainty could pose financial consequences on companies like Intermountain, Athearn, Fox Valley etc. On the other hand... Scottryan didn't mention anything about Bachmann... which can pretty much call their own shots since they have their own factories. They could put their items in front of the queue and beat out other companies to the market with competing items. So... perhaps the real concern should be that the only ones around may be Kato and Bachmann. BTW... getting back on topic... I have several of the PCM/BLI models. The PCM versions are not as good as these later BLI models. I do hope that BLI survives through the next few generations. I like the added details and the built-in DCC/sound ...even though I'm not fully DCC involved... because DCC is the future of the hobby. I had been asking about the Southern Pacific E7's and finally just got a couple of them... they did a good job of the colors and they look and run well. The PA/PB units are really good too.
The subject locomotives were returned to me with all the problems resolved except for the two EMD 3069 A units problems. These were locomotives purchased new 1/10/2014. One of the problems, besides issues with the decoders, was that the rear truck was warped which resulted in the coupler not aligning properly. I had clearly pointed out the problem in my cover letter, but it had not been corrected when the locomotives were returned. Some of the detail parts were not returned with the locomotive. I have now sent the 3069 A unit with the rear truck problem back for repair using the UPS paid label provided. My goal was to assure myself these two locomotives were operating properly so I could take them to be custom painted. It is now 21 April 2014, more than 3 months since I initially got them. I am hopeful that by the 4 month mark, I will have the product I purchased in new condition.
"sigh" I have an E6 coming my way, but I have old DC power. I'm wondering if it'll work for me? I'm so excited about trying it out (even without sound).
One of my "go-to" Ebay retailers, has the PA/PB , in PRR Tuscan, for 179.00 for the pair.....I've been going back and forth for a couple weeks, but I'm convinced. I'm pulling the trigger on a set today I think. Just got a pair of E8s, (not that I needed more Es) and I'm thrilled with them. Time for some budget busting
If it is from the latest run, yes, they have dual mode DC/DCC decoders. I now have two E8s and two PA1s, I couldn't be happier, they run way better than any Kato loco I own, and I own quite a few.
So no ideas on how to get these Es to couple more closely? Certainly others don't seem to mind the longish coupling distances. Rick
I really don't know what your talking about, mine couple very close, in fact there hard to uncouple because they are so close. Maybe a picture would help!
PAs are ordered....I went ABA, with the PB unpowered. I already have several unpainted PBs (Kato) so painting and numbering one to complete the A-B-B-A set is a snap *My Es look about as close as some of my curves can take.
Otto (Cajonpassfan) above sent a photo that describes the situation. His comment: I just wanted to know if anyone can make them couple a little closer. I run on 20" minimum. Thanks, Rick
My E6 with Paragon 2 sound came...and won't run on my kind of DC power. So, I've a decision to make - just sell it or buy the needed power pack. It's lighter than I expected, and with my ongoing 4% grade problems I might just have to resign myself to being a mostly Life-Like guy. Funny that they are really the only engines I've ever had that handle that grade.
