BLI has a lot of refurbished models for sale

[calzephyr]

BLI email has listings for several models of all different types for sale under the refurbished banner at 40% off. I am beginning to think this is their latest blow out type of sale and most of not returned and repaired items.
Any thoughts on this sale???

Larry

[mlehman]

From what I've seen in the past, they accumulate the repaired locos and put out a batch of them on the website every so often. Nothing really new that I can see, but I haven't read the latest email.

Gotta remember that parts stock is not too deep these days everywhere. I suspect that sometimes they have to send out a new loco for one that's under warranty for that or other reasons. Eventually, another basket case shows up, but with a good part needed to repair one of the shelf queens. Thank of it as the model RR equivalent of a used car lot, where getting cheap parts at the junkyard to use for parts no longer available through the cdealer network is a fact of life. I suspect it's much the same with repair depts like BLI's. They just are a bit more visible about how they dispose of them.

[bnsf971]

Many of the refurb units are ones that come from the factory with damage. As time and parts allow, they are checked, repaired, tested, and offered for sale.

[markfj]

Thanks for posting this info; I wasn’t aware that BLI offered refurbished locomotives for sale. When money is a bit more plentiful, I wouldn’t mind getting an I1sa with the short tender. Funny thing is that there just was a brass I-1s for $395 unpainted on eBay, but it must have sold. Not sure if the brass model is better, but I would much rather have a decorated BLI model of the later “sa” version for $239.99.


Anybody here have experience with these refurbished units?

Thanks, Mark

[bnsf971]

Oct 16, 2015 10:09:48 GMT -8 markfj said:

Thanks for posting this info; I wasn’t aware that BLI offered refurbished locomotives for sale. When money is a bit more plentiful, I wouldn’t mind getting an I1sa with the short tender. Funny thing is that there just was a brass I-1s for $395 unpainted on eBay, but it must have sold. Not sure if the brass model is better, but I would much rather have a decorated BLI model of the later “sa” version for $239.99.


Anybody here have experience with these refurbished units?

Thanks, Mark

I have probably a dozen of their refurb units.
I've had better luck with them than I have with the NIB stuff, and the prices are augnificantly better, as well.
I don't know where else you could pick up a basically new, quality Pacific or Mikado with DCC and sound for less than $180.

www.broadway-limited.com/1064usralightpacificerie2922paragon2sounddcdccho-1.aspx

[WP 257]

The factory refurbished units are supposed to look as good as a brand new locomotive, and run very well, without any issues.

I did own two factory refurbished Y-6B's, and you know (from my past posts) how picky I am about any cosmetic issues at all on a model. I can honestly say the two Y-6B's arrived looking as nearly perfect as any model I've ever seen. They did run well, too. My son got bored with all the big steam power, so I sold them in favor of more brightly colored diesels to try to keep him interested in trains. I should've kept one big articulated...

Anyhow, the refurbished engines are great. One guy reported (on another forum) having to send one out of 20 back for still having a defect. That's 95% good!

I had bought a third refurbished engine, a Mikado, and it arrived with something small not right with the valve gear assembly (it's been awhile so I forget the exact issue). They gave me no hassles at all about getting all my money back. I think they even credited me for shipping, which I would not have expected to receive.

They're not perfect; sometimes they make a mistake and miss something--but when they do they will absolutely make it right for the buyer or give you your money back. They give you the choice between the two.

Imo the factory refurbished units are a bargain. Sometimes you can even find one that is sold out everywhere else. C&O 2-10-4's show up from time to time when you can't find them anywhere else.

My only issue with BLI is the slight cogging effect in steam power from the sound indexing, which results in slack running in and out in the train at slower speeds. They haven't completely gotten rid of it. Also, I don't care for the design of the ATSF 2-10-2's valve gear. The number 4 driver has too much end play, excessive lateral motion during each rotation, and slaps the rails as it shifts laterally (it's between the geared #3 and the rubber tired #5 so gets caught up in whatever fight is between them) which may wear the hole at the pin egg shaped over time.

Otherwise, when they make something I need, I'll buy it. I have a GN S-2 4-8-4 coming.

John

[calzephyr]

Oct 16, 2015 10:09:48 GMT -8 markfj said:

Thanks for posting this info; I wasn’t aware that BLI offered refurbished locomotives for sale. When money is a bit more plentiful, I wouldn’t mind getting an I1sa with the short tender. Funny thing is that there just was a brass I-1s for $395 unpainted on eBay, but it must have sold. Not sure if the brass model is better, but I would much rather have a decorated BLI model of the later “sa” version for $239.99.


Anybody here have experience with these refurbished units?

Thanks, Mark

You are welcome. I was hoping some might want to know that many more were listed on the reduction price list.

The units have a warranty much like a new one so it is repaired, it probably is well worth the price.

Larry

[Deleted]

I've had zero problems with their refurbished units. I check their site regularly, and I've scored a few nice surprises (unlettered N&W A and J, for example). If you're patient, there's a good chance you'll find something you want.