I have no clue but I never get your videos on my feed anymore I keep waiting weeks thinking you have just been working on your new layout but I’m glad to see multiple reviews backed up for me to watch now!
The start up sequence included opening the test-cocks on the engine, and this was the delay in starting that was heard, although the procedure was very abbreviated for modeling. This procedure was done prior to starting, to purge any water from the cylinders. It wasn’t as critical on turbocharged engines, but Roots blown engines were prone to getting rain water in the engine from the exhaust stacks and manifolds. Purging the cylinders would prevent engine damage from a hydro-locked condition.
Thanks for the review James! I pre-ordered a ATSF GP20 when they were first announced. My unit has not arrived yet, but if it is true that the beacon doesn't operate, I am very disappointed in BLI! With so many manufacturers adding working beacons, ditch lights, MARS lights,, emergency lights and other lighting effects, I don't understand BLIs decision to skip an operating Prime Stratolite Beacon! Bummer.
Doesn't make much sense. I just purchased a used Athearn Genesis SD45 from mid 2000s. The decoder is really garbage (not sure what it is because I can't read it on JRMI). But, it does run on DC and even that has a bulb in the rotating beacon. It will be getting an ESU at some point but at least it came with that feature...
Great review James, glad to here the layout construction is going great. BLI has definitely made a huge step up with Paragon 4. The GP20’s are very nice, I think Vermont Railway has one which I believe is 802 with three color class lights on the roof, maybe in the future they may consider that one.
Nice review, the detail looks pretty good with your video quality. I still can't get over the prototype's cyclops-like windshield, though, something about it feels creepy to me lol. Thanks for sharing!
Mine came with the rear coupler in three pieces. Also, the rear number boards weren't lighting. The plug at the decoder had been jammed in a bit crooked, bending one of the pins into the other one and marring the opening. I was able to repair both carefully with the tip of an exacto knife. I could go on. I'd like to put a loksound or tsunami in it is the bottom line on my decoder review which is a bummer. I'd hoped it was markedly different from the 3 but not really. The pro lighting mode is OK I guess but it suffers from old issues. The manual even says paragon 3 in one place which is ... eh, expected I guess.
These paragon4 series gp20 models are impressive locomotives, hopefully BLI has eliminated the performance issues with their paragon3 decoders & have improved the functions with the new paragon4 decoders.
Engine has potential, could be better (if they can dim that cab light a bit, needs truck lights, sound is a bit meh!) But all and all, it's a decent switching locomotive. Good for like mid-western railroad operations.
Cab light is a non-starter for me. Model looks really good but I'd program that functionality out on day one. How does it behave if it is in consist? Would look pretty awful if it was on half way through the lashup!
I haven't found where anyone has found that the Beacon in fact operates. I am surprised they left this out, one reason I added this model to my railroad.
They could've done better with the sound. GP20's are turbocharged units and this model is a non-turbo engine sound. I thought about getting one, but not now. Their sounds are just terrible.
Great review ' But I will never buy a BLI again. Looks great but to many problems running, I have own 3 and all are junk. Buyer beware. To many other better brands.
Not a huge fan of the Paragon4 sound system. Only a marginal improvement over Paragon3. Looks like I will be spending another 5 years swapping for ESU decoders.
I've tried BLI diesels and couldn't stand them (spoiled by ESU decoders) only deal with paragon decoders for their steam locomotives. BLI could atleast have a dcc ready version of their locos since doing a gutting conversion is a pita. Mainly because they don't even attempt to follow NMRA color coding just white and black wires going everywhere.
They wont do a dcc ready version because it would require them to redesign the entire interior of there locomotives. Would cost them too much to do. They have stated this many of times but appearantly you all dont listen
It still sounds like a typical BLI...yuck. The first thing I would do is yank out decoder and put something in that sounds more realistic. Plus on the Santa Fe model I would make the beacon work.
BLI can add all the bells and whistles they want to this new decoder (figuratively speaking), but the sound quality is still garbage! The least they can do is upgrade their speakers so it doesn't sound like a fuzzy mess
Good review but the locomotive has poor functions and sound is scratchy. The beacon not working so why did they install it on the unit. BLI hasn't changed anything for the good on the Paragon 4 units except that capacitor change. I got burned on the paragon 3's...No thanks BLI
I have no clue but I never get your videos on my feed anymore I keep waiting weeks thinking you have just been working on your new layout but I’m glad to see multiple reviews backed up for me to watch now!
Nice review and locomotive. Broadway Limited should use Soundtraxx or ESU for sound.
Looks great , but it still has Broadway's flaming decoder .
An ABSOLUTE is putting in THE PROPER TURBO CHARGED TSUNAMI 2 WITH KEEP ALIVE ....
I concur.. 👍🏻
The start up sequence included opening the test-cocks on the engine, and this was the delay in starting that was heard, although the procedure was very abbreviated for modeling. This procedure was done prior to starting, to purge any water from the cylinders. It wasn’t as critical on turbocharged engines, but Roots blown engines were prone to getting rain water in the engine from the exhaust stacks and manifolds.
Purging the cylinders would prevent engine damage from a hydro-locked condition.
Thanks for the review James! I pre-ordered a ATSF GP20 when they were first announced. My unit has not arrived yet, but if it is true that the beacon doesn't operate, I am very disappointed in BLI! With so many manufacturers adding working beacons, ditch lights, MARS lights,, emergency lights and other lighting effects, I don't understand BLIs decision to skip an operating Prime Stratolite Beacon! Bummer.
Doesn't make much sense. I just purchased a used Athearn Genesis SD45 from mid 2000s. The decoder is really garbage (not sure what it is because I can't read it on JRMI). But, it does run on DC and even that has a bulb in the rotating beacon. It will be getting an ESU at some point but at least it came with that feature...
i cant wait to see the layout update/ series!
At last! We will have train service on your layout. I am ready for your first load.
Thanks, James. I think I'll wait for Athearn to release a BN green GP20 of CB&Q heritage.
Great review James, glad to here the layout construction is going great. BLI has definitely made a huge step up with Paragon 4.
The GP20’s are very nice, I think Vermont Railway has one which I believe is 802 with three color class lights on the roof, maybe in the future they may consider that one.
Great review of my favorite diesel! Anxiously waiting to see the layout build.
Great job on the review on locomotives 👍👍👍
Nice review, the detail looks pretty good with your video quality. I still can't get over the prototype's cyclops-like windshield, though, something about it feels creepy to me lol. Thanks for sharing!
I think it was like that for Santa Fe GP20s as-built. They later got the two piece windshield when they got rebuilt later on into GP20us.
@@mgr_video_productions But BLI modeled a GP20 rebuild.
James are you documenting your layout build? Will we see a step by step, to give everyone tips/
Mine came with the rear coupler in three pieces. Also, the rear number boards weren't lighting. The plug at the decoder had been jammed in a bit crooked, bending one of the pins into the other one and marring the opening. I was able to repair both carefully with the tip of an exacto knife.
I could go on. I'd like to put a loksound or tsunami in it is the bottom line on my decoder review which is a bummer. I'd hoped it was markedly different from the 3 but not really. The pro lighting mode is OK I guess but it suffers from old issues. The manual even says paragon 3 in one place which is ... eh, expected I guess.
These paragon4 series gp20 models are impressive locomotives, hopefully BLI has eliminated the performance issues with their paragon3 decoders & have improved the functions with the new paragon4 decoders.
Lol, non turbo sound file in a GP20. Classic BLI.
For how expensive their products are, there sometimes skimp ya!
Sounds horrible.
@@upmodeler73 What Paragon decoder doesn’t sound horrible? Still amazes me people pay a premium price for this junk.
@@upmodeler73 It really does XD
Engine has potential, could be better (if they can dim that cab light a bit, needs truck lights, sound is a bit meh!) But all and all, it's a decent switching locomotive. Good for like mid-western railroad operations.
Cab light is a non-starter for me. Model looks really good but I'd program that functionality out on day one. How does it behave if it is in consist? Would look pretty awful if it was on half way through the lashup!
A club member received three of these and they have the wrong sound file.
great video
Quality control issue: santa fe's horn is bent.
Great reviews James enjoy both trains look forward to seeing more reviews
Robert Guzman
My proto 2000 its beautiful but this BLI its spectacular!.
I haven't found where anyone has found that the Beacon in fact operates. I am surprised they left this out, one reason I added this model to my railroad.
Outstanding as always thank you.
I might just freelance the San Joaquin Valley Railroad with two of these.
The bell and prime mover sounds awful. The Leslie RS3L horn is correct and doesn't sound to bad.
Good job. But, Bro you gotta have Rolling Thunder hooked up for BLI reviews!
That is Awesome. I hope Rail Mouse Video Productions Get another GP20 from Union Pacific
That cab light! Yikes!
Hey, you using PIKO Track, cool. Do you have ever test the draw bar pull on USA and Europe Track? I believe there are a difference.
What do you with all the engines after you review them?
They could've done better with the sound. GP20's are turbocharged units and this model is a non-turbo engine sound. I thought about getting one, but not now. Their sounds are just terrible.
Great review ' But I will never buy a BLI again. Looks great but to many problems running, I have own 3 and all are junk. Buyer beware. To many other better brands.
18:35; Six axle locomotive? - JLW? Also, I have heard the unit is missing the Turbo-charger sound, which may be a deal breaker for some folks.
meant 4, sorry.
What is that rotary pedestal?
Ive actually seen a santa fe gp20 like 6 or 7 years ago
WRONG sound decoder! This is NOT a turbo charged sound file. What you're listening too is a GP-9 not a GP20. What a colossal blunder!
Let see the lay out some time
Must have got the cab light from Tyco.
BLI sure has a hard time getting sound correct.
Where's bye in india
Not a huge fan of the Paragon4 sound system. Only a marginal improvement over Paragon3. Looks like I will be spending another 5 years swapping for ESU decoders.
I've tried BLI diesels and couldn't stand them (spoiled by ESU decoders) only deal with paragon decoders for their steam locomotives. BLI could atleast have a dcc ready version of their locos since doing a gutting conversion is a pita. Mainly because they don't even attempt to follow NMRA color coding just white and black wires going everywhere.
They wont do a dcc ready version because it would require them to redesign the entire interior of there locomotives. Would cost them too much to do. They have stated this many of times but appearantly you all dont listen
It still sounds like a typical BLI...yuck. The first thing I would do is yank out decoder and put something in that sounds more realistic. Plus on the Santa Fe model I would make the beacon work.
BLI can add all the bells and whistles they want to this new decoder (figuratively speaking), but the sound quality is still garbage! The least they can do is upgrade their speakers so it doesn't sound like a fuzzy mess
Prefer the old tyco/mantua GP 20's..
Good review but the locomotive has poor functions and sound is scratchy. The beacon not working so why did they install it on the unit. BLI hasn't changed anything for the good on the Paragon 4 units except that capacitor change. I got burned on the paragon 3's...No thanks BLI
First!
second
Decoders still crap, but the details seem much better than past diesels they’ve ran
Nice model but has the wrong horn!
I'm kind of meh on these engines.
🤩🤩🤩🤩🫶👍
Third lol
These sound decoders are stupid. Just get a decoder without sound.