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BLI Hopper Mods
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Andy Harman <andy10@...>
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Andy Harman <andy10@...>
At 01:55 AM 7/11/2004 -0700, you wrote:
the flash, produced the best lighted photos and the bestMy digital is a cheapie. I spent 4x that amount and still hated it, so I sold it and just kept the cheap one. It's 2.5 years old now. I'm waiting for a Nikon D-series that will shoot full frame 35mm. Otherwise, I'll hang on to my $$ and keep my film for the real photos. I have taken some better shots with just strong lighting - I have 32K floods set up and all that, but didn't feel like getting my hair singed for these shots. They do the job to explain what I'm doing but they make me look like a freshman hack at weathering, when in reality, I'm a sophomore hack. Andy |
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Andy Harman <andy10@...>
At 01:59 AM 7/11/2004 -0700, you wrote:
Why? That would be about 20x as much grinding, and I'd have to fiddle and twick to get the height right. The way I do it now, the height comes out right and the mods are pretty easy. Shouldn't have to do it, but, at least it's something I can get down to an assembly line. Takes about 10 minutes per car. Multiply by 54 hoppers - 540 minutes, or 9 hours, or, at my usual billing rate, about enough to pay for 3/4 of the hoppers I ordered. I could send BLI a bill, but it's likely to receive as much consideration as my email send earlier. Andy |
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At 10:31 PM 7/10/2004, you wrote:
http://www.gp30.com/models/bli-hoppers/Andy, regarding your comments on your photos... FWIW, after much practice, I found that a couple of strong lamps (including one aimed at a backdrop BEHIND the model) plus allowing the digital camera to take the shot without the flash, produced the best lighted photos and the best reproduction of the model's actual appearance. I agree the flash just wipes out weathering. I use a tripod too, and I close the shutter down manually to F11 -- most digital cameras can't go below F8. |
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Regarding the modifications to the BLI hoppers: Have
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you tried just removing the cast draft gear box, and replacing it with another brand? I'd figure it out myself but I am workshopless for the time being... |
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Brian Paul Ehni <behni@...>
The Kodak DCS Pro series has models using the Nikon lenses:
<http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/camerasIndex.j html?id=0.1.18.18.3&lc=en> (be sure to get all the link) The D-70 is a nice inexpensive 6mp. I really enjoy my D-100. -- Brian Ehni From: Andy Harman <andy10@...> Reply-To: <STMFC@...> Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 02:30:16 -0400 To: <STMFC@...> Subject: Re: [STMFC] BLI Hopper Mods At 01:55 AM 7/11/2004 -0700, you wrote: the flash, produced the best lighted photos and the bestMy digital is a cheapie. I spent 4x that amount and still hated it, so I sold it and just kept the cheap one. It's 2.5 years old now. I'm waiting for a Nikon D-series that will shoot full frame 35mm. Otherwise, I'll hang on to my $$ and keep my film for the real photos. |
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Andy Harman <andy10@...>
At 10:04 AM 7/11/2004 -0500, you wrote:
The Kodak DCS Pro series has models using the Nikon lenses:Interesting. 5 grand. Nikon doesn't make anything like it. I wonder if it even supports autofocus..... it just says "F mount lenses", which means they'll click on, but what about the rest? The D-70 is a nice inexpensive 6mp.The D-100 is pretty nice, but I don't want my lenses extended... its kind of baffling to me why Nikon has resisted doing a full frame camera. Andy |
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Kert Peterson <kertp@...>
On 7/11/2004, Andy Harman wrote:
http://www.gp30.com/models/bli-hoppers/Nice work Andy. FWIW, I spoke to the BLI folks at the National Train Show and let them know that I was extremely disappointed at their coupler stunt. I model 1951, so I bought the four sets of 17" lettered cars. I told the BLI folks that I would not preorder any more of their cars or locomotives until I found out how their coupler pockets are designed, because I hate having to add working front couplers to locomotives and doing the modifications necessary to fit Kadee coupler pockets to $300 locomotive and $25 cars. Incidentally, I have also preciously purchased 9 of their locomotives. No more until they get it correct. Cheers, Kert Peterson Fircrest, WA kertp@... People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell |
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Brian Chapman <cornbeltroute@...>
So, Kert, what kind of response did you get from the BLI people after
pointing out the difficulty with their coupler pockets? Anyone there in authority, with clout? Brian Chapman Cedar Rapids, Iowa --- |
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Owens, David <DOwens@...>
Kert:
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Did the BLI folks respond to your comments? Dave Owens -----Original Message-----
From: Kert Peterson [mailto:kertp@...] Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 4:05 PM To: STMFC@... Subject: Re: [STMFC] BLI Hopper Mods On 7/11/2004, Andy Harman wrote: http://www.gp30.com/models/bli-hoppers/Nice work Andy. FWIW, I spoke to the BLI folks at the National Train Show and let them know that I was extremely disappointed at their coupler stunt. I model 1951, so I bought the four sets of 17" lettered cars. I told the BLI folks that I would not preorder any more of their cars or locomotives until I found out how their coupler pockets are designed, because I hate having to add working front couplers to locomotives and doing the modifications necessary to fit Kadee coupler pockets to $300 locomotive and $25 cars. Incidentally, I have also preciously purchased 9 of their locomotives. No more until they get it correct. Cheers, Kert Peterson Fircrest, WA kertp@... People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Don Valentine
Quoting Kert Peterson <kertp@...>:
This is only half of the story, Kert. What was their response???? Don Valentine |
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Kert Peterson <kertp@...>
On 7/11/2004, Brian Chapman wrote (in response to my original post):
So, Kert, what kind of response did you get from the BLI people afterThere were two young fellows holding down the BLI booth. One of them said the McHenry couplers they use have springs and he has had 60 cars in a consist without the couplers breaking. He couldn't understand why anyone would want to change them. I calmly explained my reasons for using the couplers I use, to which he replied then I could just change them out. Hmmmm.... Not too bright a candle here... I asked if he had tried to change them out, and he said that he changed them out when the McHenry couplers broke. I asked if he used Kadees, and he said that he could put any coupler in the pocket. Without calling him a liar, I told him that I didn't think he had tried to use couplers other than McHenry couplers in the cars because McHenry couplers are the only ones that will fit. I told both of them how much of their products I had bought up to now, and let them know that I would buy no more until they started installing working front couplers on their locomotives and coupler pockets that would take Kadee couplers. They thanked me for my comments. I won't hold my breath for any changes, but then they shouldn't hold their wallet waiting for any more of my money, either. Cheers, Kert Peterson Fircrest, WA kertp@... People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell |
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Jon Miller <atsf@...>
let them know that I would buy no more until they started installingworking front couplers on their locomotives < While you have a point with the hoppers not fitting a Kadee, BLI engines have had a front coupler for a couple of engines now. I know the 3751 does, the 3800 will, the J1 does, USRA light Mikado does, etc. In fact I think all engines beyond the early releases do. If I remember correctly they are all designed for a Kadee #5. Jon Miller AT&SF For me time has stopped in 1941 Digitrax, Chief/Zephyr systems, JMRI user NMRA Life member #2623 Member SFRH&MS |
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Rich Ramik <rjramik@...>
Kert:
You should have had some Kadee's with you. I think that would have been a lot of fun to watch! Thanks, Rich Ramik _____ From: Kert Peterson [mailto:kertp@...] Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 2:54 PM To: STMFC@... Subject: Re: [STMFC] BLI Hopper Mods * On 7/11/2004, Brian Chapman wrote (in response to my original post): So, Kert, what kind of response did you get from the BLI people afterThere were two young fellows holding down the BLI booth. One of them said the McHenry couplers they use have springs and he has had 60 cars in a consist without the couplers breaking. He couldn't understand why anyone would want to change them. I calmly explained my reasons for using the couplers I use, to which he replied then I could just change them out. Hmmmm.... Not too bright a candle here... I asked if he had tried to change them out, and he said that he changed them out when the McHenry couplers broke. I asked if he used Kadees, and he said that he could put any coupler in the pocket. Without calling him a liar, I told him that I didn't think he had tried to use couplers other than McHenry couplers in the cars because McHenry couplers are the only ones that will fit. I told both of them how much of their products I had bought up to now, and let them know that I would buy no more until they started installing working front couplers on their locomotives and coupler pockets that would take Kadee couplers. They thanked me for my comments. I won't hold my breath for any changes, but then they shouldn't hold their wallet waiting for any more of my money, either. Cheers, Kert Peterson Fircrest, WA kertp@... . |
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Don Valentine
Quoting Kert Peterson <kertp@...>:
On 7/11/2004, Brian Chapman wrote (in response to my original post):So, Kert, what kind of response did you get from the BLI people afterThere were two young fellows holding down the BLI booth. One of them Thanks, Kert. That is what we needed to hear whether we like the response you received or not. Don Valentine |
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Denny Anspach <danspach@...>
Andy Miller feels that all coupler boxes should be made to fit Kadee couplers (and clones).
As a general statement for Kadee-size couplers, and as a practical matter, Andy is exactly right. However, Accumate Proto scale-sized couplers use a scale-sized (much smaller) coupler box that is both integral to the coupler (a true distinction), and moreover, it has a superior appearance. Without looking at the BLI hopper cars, I would have no idea what the circumstances might be, but is adapting the Accumate Proto couplers a viable option (i.e. will the A-P box nestle inside the BLI box?)? The advantages would be a) superior appearance, and b) reliability (the close-tolerance engineered integral design of the A-P coupler shanks within the confines of its coupler box prevents the couplers from "twisting" out, and the absence of draft angles mitigates any uncoupling caused by the strain of a long train). BTW, the "Kadee coupler box" should be instead referred to as the "Athearn coupler box". In 1959 when Kadee first came out with its magnetic couplers, Athearn had flooded the market with its inexpensive injected molded cars, and had in many way become the de facto mass market standard. Kadee simply then designed its couplers to adapt to the "Athearn coupler box". In the years then and since, although Kadee has been notorious for its coupler fastidious quality control, the coupler box dimensions have been subject to no control whatsoever- as any experienced modeler can attest. A fool and his money are soon parted. BlI is a work-in-progress. I am ever more convinced that they are aiming for a new HO "toy train" mass market with products that far too often with scrutiny do not stand up well to the critical assessment by the serious scale modelers or operator. That the magazines give these products universal soft ball reviews is cautionary for all of us- on several levels. I have purchased five of their products. One of which I have since sold still-in-box, another is a profound disappointment- but is essentially un-sellable; a third is awaiting a buyer (still in box); the fourth awaits its fate- also still in box; and the fifth is a five-foot-distance "demonstration" steam engine that impresses the occasional casual visitor. At the moment, Caveat Emptor. Denny -- Denny S. Anspach, MD Sacramento |
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Andy Harman <andy10@...>
At 01:13 PM 7/13/2004 -0700, you wrote:
Andy Miller feels that all coupler boxes should be made to fit KadeeAndy Harman feels the same way, until there is an established, reliable, solid scale coupler and draft gear standard. As a general statement for Kadee-size couplers, and as a practicalI'm not convinced it will perform at the same level as a Kadee 58. I don't even care about magnetic uncoupling, just coupling and staying coupled, and not breaking or fatiguing. The large head Accumate - which is normally provided with Atlas RTR rolling stock, has the distinction of being the least evil of the clones. I still replace them when the cars cross the bench for weathering or any other work. Without looking at the BLI hopper cars, I would have no idea what theNot without removing material inside the box, which I'm already doing to fit the 5/58 style spring plate in place. The advantages would be a) superior appearance, and b) reliabilityI have two of the Genesis Trinity hoppers that came with this coupler. I haven't had them on the track yet. The car is too new for even my most modern modeling period. BTW, the "Kadee coupler box" should be instead referred to as theThis is true, although I remember Kadee spring plates that were too wide to fit Athearn coupler boxes in the mid 1960s. By the time I was regularly using Kadees (1969-70) the problem had been solved and the Kadee "5 and 10" would fit most Athearn rolling stock. That design did change though - the boxes were made slightly shorter at some point. I'm not sure when the bevel on the edge of the box came about, but I'm quite certain I can find Kadee "5 and 10" boxes from the 1970s and they are different, however slightly, from the current ones. A fool and his money are soon parted. BlI is a work-in-progress. I amSoft ball reviews, and huge multi-page centerfold ads coinciding with being named Gods-gift-to-whoever in the popularity contest. Being less knowledgeable about steam overall, the mess BLI has made of their few diesels so far is very telling. I am very glad I didn't rush out to sell my Overland J1 Hudsons. I had higher hopes for the hoppers. Oh BTW, this is obvious as well as exaggerated in the photos on my web site - but you can see that the BLI H-2a hoppers aren't black. They are gray. Kind of a bluish gray. Weathering cleans it all up, and without the digital flash it's not that harsh -- but I'm wondering if the complaint about the 3700 4-8-4 is this shade of gray, or worse (haven't seen one yet). PRR DGLE I can expect to be screwed up. But black is black. Andy |
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Gatwood, Elden -- Tt, Inc. <elden.gatwood@...>
Folks;
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Our reviews of BLI products that have appeared in TKM have not been like those in MR or other print mags. We have devoted considerable space to fixes and commentaries (we'd have done more of them, but there is not enough staff or time in the day to do so). We have also repeatedly offered to work with BLI on all PRR projects. Unlike some others, BLI has opted to continue down a fast-track path utilizing its own unknown research, which seems to have often resulted in issues that don't even maintain consistency in the general nature of errors! DGLE paint, lettering colors, details, couplers, decoder issues, and other features seem to vary willy-nilly with each successive product. While some are ecstatic about the availability of these products, it seems that it might be possible to slow down enough to iron out some of the issues before they go into production. Elden Gatwood -----Original Message-----
From: Andy Harman [mailto:andy10@...] Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 2:34 PM To: STMFC@... Subject: Re: [STMFC] BLI Hopper Mods At 01:13 PM 7/13/2004 -0700, you wrote: Andy Miller feels that all coupler boxes should be made to fit KadeeAndy Harman feels the same way, until there is an established, reliable, solid scale coupler and draft gear standard. As a general statement for Kadee-size couplers, and as a practicalI'm not convinced it will perform at the same level as a Kadee 58. I don't even care about magnetic uncoupling, just coupling and staying coupled, and not breaking or fatiguing. The large head Accumate - which is normally provided with Atlas RTR rolling stock, has the distinction of being the least evil of the clones. I still replace them when the cars cross the bench for weathering or any other work. Without looking at the BLI hopper cars, I would have no idea what theNot without removing material inside the box, which I'm already doing to fit the 5/58 style spring plate in place. The advantages would be a) superior appearance, and b) reliabilityI have two of the Genesis Trinity hoppers that came with this coupler. I haven't had them on the track yet. The car is too new for even my most modern modeling period. BTW, the "Kadee coupler box" should be instead referred to as theThis is true, although I remember Kadee spring plates that were too wide to fit Athearn coupler boxes in the mid 1960s. By the time I was regularly using Kadees (1969-70) the problem had been solved and the Kadee "5 and 10" would fit most Athearn rolling stock. That design did change though - the boxes were made slightly shorter at some point. I'm not sure when the bevel on the edge of the box came about, but I'm quite certain I can find Kadee "5 and 10" boxes from the 1970s and they are different, however slightly, from the current ones. A fool and his money are soon parted. BlI is a work-in-progress. I amSoft ball reviews, and huge multi-page centerfold ads coinciding with being named Gods-gift-to-whoever in the popularity contest. Being less knowledgeable about steam overall, the mess BLI has made of their few diesels so far is very telling. I am very glad I didn't rush out to sell my Overland J1 Hudsons. I had higher hopes for the hoppers. Oh BTW, this is obvious as well as exaggerated in the photos on my web site - but you can see that the BLI H-2a hoppers aren't black. They are gray. Kind of a bluish gray. Weathering cleans it all up, and without the digital flash it's not that harsh -- but I'm wondering if the complaint about the 3700 4-8-4 is this shade of gray, or worse (haven't seen one yet). PRR DGLE I can expect to be screwed up. But black is black. Andy Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT <http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=129l4iins/M=295196.4901138.6071305.3001176/D=gr oups/S=1705169725:HM/EXP=1089840848/A=2128215/R=0/SIG=10se96mf6/*http:/compa nion.yahoo.com> click here <http://us.adserver.yahoo.com/l?M=295196.4901138.6071305.3001176/D=groups/S= :HM/A=2128215/rand=951122743> _____ Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/STMFC/ <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/STMFC/> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: STMFC-unsubscribe@... <mailto:STMFC-unsubscribe@...?subject=Unsubscribe> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Service. |
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Don Valentine
Quoting Denny Anspach <danspach@...>:
Andy Miller feels that all coupler boxes should be made to fit Kadee This may depend on which Kadee coupler box one desires. I can't even recall the number of what I believe may have been the first Kadee coupler box. This was the one with the small pin that fit into a slot in the coupler shank that, in turn, had two springs with round inserts inside them that were installed fore and aft of said pin. Even a young buck like you, Denny, should remember that one (-: but may have overlooked it in your post. Next we had the box for the standard #5. Now we have a more prototypical box for the more prototypically shanked version of the #58, which IIRC is the #78. Frankly, I'd just as soon see the new box for the smaller Kadee coupler become the "standard". And as for those who complain about using a Kadee #5 on the front of a steam locomotive I have a suggestion. Junk the Kadee box, cut the coupler shank at the rearmost end of the square middle section, drill and tap it for a 1 mm screw, or only the pin that holds the dummy coupler in the coupler pocket of most brass imports and substitute the coupler with the modified for the dummy brass one that probably came on the model. I've done that for nearly forty years and have always been happy with both the visual and operational results. Don Valentine |
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Andy Miller <asmiller@...>
Denny,
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I too like the Accumate scale coupler. I did not like the Accumate standard coupler. All too often it would jam open. The narrow draft gear box on the scale version seems to prevent this. Thus I see little downside to this scale size, good looking coupler. The Kadee 58 has a noticeable gap between the knuckle and the "fist", which is why I have stopped using them. When no draft gear box is provided, the Accumate scale coupler has become my coupler of choice. Regards, Andy Miller -----Original Message-----
From: Denny Anspach [mailto:danspach@...] Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 4:13 PM To: STMFC@... Subject: Re: [STMFC] BLI Hopper Mods Andy Miller feels that all coupler boxes should be made to fit Kadee couplers (and clones). As a general statement for Kadee-size couplers, and as a practical matter, Andy is exactly right. However, Accumate Proto scale-sized couplers use a scale-sized (much smaller) coupler box that is both integral to the coupler (a true distinction), and moreover, it has a superior appearance. . . . |
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