BLI J - First Thoughts

[nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org]

OK, I just got mine (611 in regular service); here are first impressions.

I compared the BLI J's whistle to recordings on Kipp Teague's "Last Run of the 611" web page, and to an O. Winston Link recording on the National Public Radio web site. Put me in the "darned close" camp.

The whistle should sound a low minor chord. The BLI J emphasizes the fundamental tone (a low A) a little too much (probably trying to compensate for the small speakers and low amplifier power). That's a standard sound recording and mixing trick, but they may have overdone it just a touch. What their whistle *does* lack is the "airyness" of the real thing: you should be able to hear the hiss of steam lightly superimposed on the whistle. That's the part that isn't there. However, in fairness, at some distance away from the locomotive you wouldn't hear that, just the fundamental tones. So, what they have done is give you the sound of the whistle as you would hear it echoing through the hills, not right beside you.

I'd love to hear the wave file they used through studio amplification and monitors.

The rest of the sounds seem to be right on. They all (especially the whistle) benefit from turning down the volume levels from "16" to around "12".

The Tuscan Red is a bit on the purple side, but it is probably within "spec" for the color.
 
The drivers are unsprung, so you will se every bit of unevenness in your trackwork.
 
Haven't put it on a scale, but it is quite heavy.  There is a traction tire equipped driver in the box which the owner can install, but it seems to pull just fine without it.

Overall, I'm happy with it.
 
Now if they would just do a Z1b...
 
Tom Black
Beavercreek, Ohio
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