BLI J - First Thoughts

[nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org]

Unsprung Drivers?  There's no GOOD reason for that in this day and age of
quality locomotives.

Mike Rector

Original Message:
-----------------
From:  nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org
Date: Fri, 27 May 2005 18:02:22 -0700 (PDT)
To: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org
Subject: BLI J - First Thoughts


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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