Broadway Limited Quality

ajkochev Sep 9, 2020

  1. ajkochev

    ajkochev TrainBoard Member

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  2. SP-Wolf

    SP-Wolf TrainBoard Supporter

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  3. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    Yeah, Spookshow is a great resource, and even as an HO modeler, I like to read through the articles and reviews. In terms of detail, Broadway makes interesting products. In HO, they have many PRR focused models. I don't keep up much with their N scale side, but I'm assuming that is still true.

    I think the main issue people have with Broadway is their proprietary sound system. They don't use ESU or Tsunami like Atlas or Athearn, they use the Paragon system (their own program). For some, that may cause problems. It may make it difficult to map functions when different manufacturers use different CVs and have different manuals. Some 'purists' like to consolidate to just one brand to streamline consisting and various other features that require decoders to work together. For example, ESU's Drive Hold feature is different than other decoders' manual notching setup. Trying to consist Broadway to ESU and having all the functions and features operate in parallel may be problematic (at least without significant JMRI work).

    Some people also bring up the Blue Line locomotives. Those are some of their earlier models which used decoders using early DCC technology from when it was new. Retrofitting old models with updated decoders or just buying their new products (I believe) will reduce the occurrences of some issues. Just like how ESU released their 5.0 and Soundtraxx has Tsunami 2, Broadway has come a long way, and honestly, their 3.0 system has the locomotive control of any other brand.

    Using Paragon does give you cool features like Rolling Thunder with their subwoofer system. I think most of the issues people have with Broadway are because they are used to decoders like ESU, Tsunami, and Digitrax. If you are consistent with your decoders, you should have no major issues.
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2020
  4. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Here is my experience with BLI.

    HO scale N&W Class J #611 with Paragon sound. This was my all time favorite HO scale model of my all time favorite 1:1 scale locomotive. It ran beautifully on any rails I put it on. No issues what so ever with mine. Do note that I had the first release which didn't come with the locked up decoder "feature". BLI did repair the ones with the bad decoders at no cost.

    HO Scale SD40-2 NS with Paragon sound. Again another beautiful model and this one ran great and pulled nice. It was a real workhorse of my rails and pulled just as good as any Atlas or Kato SD40-2 that I owned at the time. No issues what so ever and details above my next in line favorite Kato model.

    N Scale SD40-2 no sound DC model. Well this one is a bit of a disappointment. Looks and detail are great, it runs smooth and silky and is quiet. So why did I say disappointment? Well the model is so light that it cant pull much of anything. I have Kato 4 axle locos that can single pull 3x more cars on flat and level track than this one can. Looks good pulls bad.


    So there you have my take on the matter. I dont know when my N scale loco was produced, I have never bothered to research it. It does have knuckle couplers on it so it's not too old.
     
  5. papahnash

    papahnash TrainBoard Member

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    I have and run several BLI N Scale locos, both steam and diesel. Their DCC and sound decoders are excellent. Not being a "rivet counter", I am very satisfied with the detail of the locos. After many hours of use, I have had some power pick up issues that were easily repaired. I unknowingly backed my T4 4-4-4-4 steam loco onto a closed turnout and damaged the tenders rear trucks. There were no parts available but BLI offered to repair the out of warranty loco for a flat rate of $99 and would take 9 weeks. That loco is one of my all-time favorites, so I sent it in for repair with a check for the $99. Nine weeks later I received the loco back repaired and running great again. In the box with the loco I also found my $99 check uncashed.
    Needless to say, I am very pleased with BLI.
     
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  6. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have numerous N scale diesel and steam locomotives produced by Broadway Limited Imports. For the most part they are good to excellent quality. Like any other manufacturere, they have had a couple of 'issues', but they will do their best to resolve customer complaints. You should be pleased when you purchase from them.

    Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
     
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