@@DanielCortopassi Dan does ESU make a sound decoder suitable for these? I need to junk the tinny speakers as well, but the tender is a bit of dog's breakfast to take apart. Also thoughts on adding a TCS keep alive to the decoder?
@@cleo6686 I haven't checked to see if ESU has a specific sound file suitable for this locomotive. Steam chuffs are fairly generic so it would mostly be a matter of finding suitable whistle and bell sounds. The ESU decoder sounds are reprogrammable so even if a sound set doesn't exist yet, the decoder can be installed and updated later. ESU has their own capacitor circuit for their decoders, so I'd probably use one of those rather than trying to mix brands with TCS. I haven't tried taking the thing apart yet, so I can't really comment on that. Sounds like it's a lot of work! Thanks for watching!
I saw a clip on YT which had what looked like a 2-6-2-2 (or any combo of leading/trailing trucks) Engine had six driving wheels then another two on a different piston set, facing backwards. Any idea what this engine is?
No, I have never seen anything like that, though I have seen photos of some weird steam locomotives. Sorry I can't be of more help. Thanks for watching!
It’s a shame that the way broadway sets their smoke units is pretty anemic out of the box. CV 232 is the smoke fan, and a setting of 12-15 yields great results.
If you ever get a chance to take one apart after the smoke has been used for a while you'll stop using smoke. They are absolutely disgusting inside to the point of almost causing issues with the electrics.
I have some HO scale brass, but it's not what I normally buy. BLI's hybrid brass models are an interesting idea, combining brass detail and a modern, reliable mechanism. The GN 4-8-4 is the only one of those I have, though, so I can't really say how nice any of the others are. Most of my other brass locomotives are old, bought used. I have a few from Sunset and they have nice detail. One of them won't pull it's own tender, though, so right now it's a nice looking paperweight. Thanks for watching!
B- seems a bit harsh. I'm not sure I could pay 600 to 750 dollars for a B-. I am surprised that the couplers are both low. And yes, the decal being off on a model this expensive is worrisome...(what details are likewise askew in areas you cannot see?). So maybe the 80 points is about right.
It seems like the more expensive models have a greater chance of being slightly disappointing, probably because they are expensive and for me, anyway, my expectations are higher. Still, this is a pretty nice model overall. My biggest complaint with it right now is the decoder. I'm not crazy about the BLI electronics. I'll probably change it to a LokSound eventually. Thanks for watching!
-20 are you kidding? .... That much off for that little wrong is totally ridiculous and out of proportion. .... I received mine today and its mint. .... I could care less about the tender pick-ups. I give it 100 out of 100.
Yo're missing the point. These hybrids have diecast frame with drive to give more weight and a reliable drive train, which many all brass steamers do not have. The brass shell allows fine detailing that can stand up to handling.
From what I understand of the economics involved, brass allows manufacturers to produce prototype-specific locomotives while producing a smaller number of units. Most steam locomotives were custom to each individual railroad. That means that only so many people are going to want a model like this of a GN 4-8-4. Fans of SP or N&W probably won't want one of these. It's different with diesels, like an SD40-2, as a lot of railroads used those so manufacturers know they can sell enough of them to justify the tooling to make them in plastic. Personally I avoid brass diesels, but sometimes for steam brass is the only way to get a model of a particular class of locomotive. Thanks for watching!
The Great Northern Northerns ran systemwide from Saint Paul,MN to Seattle/Tacoma, WA and Portland Oregon.
Cool. I'm sure that would have been something to see. Thanks for the info and for watching!
I love this loco. I was looking for her for a longer time. Now finally I'll get her! 😍
I like mine a lot. Thanks for watching!
All those boxes in the background blow my mind.
Thanks to my wife, Nichole, those have become the basis of our "Box of the Month" show. Thanks for watching!
I cannot wait for Broadway Limited to release their Northern Pacific/Spokane Portland and Seattle Ry A3/E1 Northerns!
I'm sure those will be cool. Thanks for watching!
Very good review.
I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
I wish that train for christmars🚂😍🎄
I hope you get one! Thanks for watching!
Great video as always!
Thanks for watching!
I'm and EMD guy but this is a nice looking loco. Happy New Year and keep em coming. Looking forward to the next open box session
Happy new year and thanks for watching!
You mentioned all the minuscule things except the glaring issue. Still no paint on the axle ends! Nice review.
A lot of steam engines seem to have that issue, don't they? Thanks for watching!
Looking good
Thanks for watching!
I've seen this one while I was riding the Empire Builder. Still disappointed with BLI's sounds, they could be a little less generic. Great review!
I'll probably replace the sound decoder eventually in mine with an ESU. It's okay for now. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi Dan does ESU make a sound decoder suitable for these? I need to junk the tinny speakers as well, but the tender is a bit of dog's breakfast to take apart. Also thoughts on adding a TCS keep alive to the decoder?
@@cleo6686 I haven't checked to see if ESU has a specific sound file suitable for this locomotive. Steam chuffs are fairly generic so it would mostly be a matter of finding suitable whistle and bell sounds. The ESU decoder sounds are reprogrammable so even if a sound set doesn't exist yet, the decoder can be installed and updated later. ESU has their own capacitor circuit for their decoders, so I'd probably use one of those rather than trying to mix brands with TCS. I haven't tried taking the thing apart yet, so I can't really comment on that. Sounds like it's a lot of work! Thanks for watching!
Perfect review
Thanks for watching!
No problem
What a Beau and detailed model, Love the video Dan
Thanks for watching!
It’s a CV you can change for the cab light to stay on
Thanks for the info!
Model looks good Dan, although a number of the loco sounds seem to be generic across the BLI range. A good, objective review as always.
Thanks for watching!
wow that is a lot of pulling power
It's a strong one. Thanks for watching!
Nice review Dan!
Thanks for watching!
I saw a clip on YT which had what looked like a 2-6-2-2 (or any combo of leading/trailing trucks)
Engine had six driving wheels then another two on a different piston set, facing backwards. Any idea what this engine is?
No, I have never seen anything like that, though I have seen photos of some weird steam locomotives. Sorry I can't be of more help. Thanks for watching!
It’s a shame that the way broadway sets their smoke units is pretty anemic out of the box. CV 232 is the smoke fan, and a setting of 12-15 yields great results.
I didn't really try tweaking anything on this one yet. I am not a big user of smoke units as the odor irritates my nose. Thanks for the info!
I was wondering why you weren't testing w/ the smoke on?
If you ever get a chance to take one apart after the smoke has been used for a while you'll stop using smoke. They are absolutely disgusting inside to the point of almost causing issues with the electrics.
Great Review Dan!!!!! I am still avoiding this steam loco for now. It still needs improvements in the future.
Thanks for watching!
I think that its a 1st run in a new box with that tread rotted. no number board lites.
I suppose that's possible. I did get it from a hobby shop so I don't know how long it may have been sitting there. Thanks for watching!
What are the Best Brass HO scale locomotives in the industry today ?
I have some HO scale brass, but it's not what I normally buy. BLI's hybrid brass models are an interesting idea, combining brass detail and a modern, reliable mechanism. The GN 4-8-4 is the only one of those I have, though, so I can't really say how nice any of the others are. Most of my other brass locomotives are old, bought used. I have a few from Sunset and they have nice detail. One of them won't pull it's own tender, though, so right now it's a nice looking paperweight. Thanks for watching!
good job Daniel. only 80. well that might be one i stay away from then. i do like the paint on her thou.
If you fix the couplers that brings it back up to 90. The paint is really nice. Thanks for watching!
Informative video. I've subscribed.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
B- seems a bit harsh. I'm not sure I could pay 600 to 750 dollars for a B-. I am surprised that the couplers are both low. And yes, the decal being off on a model this expensive is worrisome...(what details are likewise askew in areas you cannot see?). So maybe the 80 points is about right.
It seems like the more expensive models have a greater chance of being slightly disappointing, probably because they are expensive and for me, anyway, my expectations are higher. Still, this is a pretty nice model overall. My biggest complaint with it right now is the decoder. I'm not crazy about the BLI electronics. I'll probably change it to a LokSound eventually. Thanks for watching!
-20 are you kidding? .... That much off for that little wrong is totally ridiculous and out of proportion. .... I received mine today and its mint. .... I could care less about the tender pick-ups. I give it 100 out of 100.
I'm glad you like your engine. Have fun and thanks for watching!
Man I feel bad for you it seems like almost all the models you buy to review have some kind of defects
Quality control seems to be a consistent problem these days. Thanks for watching!
And I'm sorry I would find that unacceptable if I'm spending $600 plus with tax for an engine
I agree. Expensive models shouldn't have issues. Thanks for watching!
I don't mean to be a hater but, what is the point of brass locomotives?
From my experience they are junky and finicky.
Yo're missing the point. These hybrids have diecast frame with drive to give more weight and a reliable drive train, which many all brass steamers do not have. The brass shell allows fine detailing that can stand up to handling.
@@cleo6686 Yes but I love Diecast shells.
From what I understand of the economics involved, brass allows manufacturers to produce prototype-specific locomotives while producing a smaller number of units. Most steam locomotives were custom to each individual railroad. That means that only so many people are going to want a model like this of a GN 4-8-4. Fans of SP or N&W probably won't want one of these. It's different with diesels, like an SD40-2, as a lot of railroads used those so manufacturers know they can sell enough of them to justify the tooling to make them in plastic. Personally I avoid brass diesels, but sometimes for steam brass is the only way to get a model of a particular class of locomotive. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi Yeah that's possibly the reason.