NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: HO Scale Sharknose and N scale SD40-2's
We at BLI are thrilled to introduce two new productions of HO and N scale diesel locomotives. Whether your customers are fans of classic or modern models, we think these are must-haves for any layout.
The Sharknose locomotives were known as excellent "luggers". They regularly saw service hauling heavy ore and coal drags. The RF-16 Sharknose locomotives beat the F7 with 100 additional horsepower and tied the FA2 with 1600 horsepower. Unfortunately, they did not last as long as the F7's. With a few exceptions, most of the engines were retired by 1967.
In this production, we are offering A-B sets in four prototypically accurate paint schemes, along with a second A-unit available as a separate item. In addition to the prototypically accurate models, we are building models in several fantasy paint schemes that never quite made it to the rails, but would have been beautiful if they had. The CNJ and the MP owned Baldwin babyface locomotives, but didn't order the Sharks. The DMIR owned the EJ&E Sharks for a few months, but never repainted them. We have painted the models in a prototypical DMIR paint scheme. The ATSF and SP both tested the Baldwin demo set, but declined to order production models. We are offering models decorated in the appropriate ATSF and SP liveries if those railroads had decided to operate the "Sharks".
The railroads typically operated these in ABA configurations. Our A-B sets come with a Powered A-unit with Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC and an unpowered B-unit with a lightweight frame. We also offer an additional single powered A-unit for each paint scheme where appropriate. This single unit has our full Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system. All of our models have road-specific details and lighting.
The order deadline for the Sharknose units is November 14th, 2024.
Introduced by EMD in January 1972, the SD40-2 is one of the most popular diesel locomotives of all time. Between 1972 and 1989, EMD built nearly 4,000 units. These 3,000 horsepower machines were found to be more reliable than higher horsepower locomotives, and the SD40-2 became the standard of the industry for several decades.
The SD40-2 shares a common frame with the SD38-2 and the SD45-2. The frame was lengthened to accommodate the new HT-C trucks, which were 1.5 feet longer than the Flexicoil truck found on the SD40's. With a longer frame, but similar sized long hoods, the SD40-2's have distinctive "porches" on either end. These empty areas are good spotting features for SD38-2 and SD40-2 locomotives. The SD40-2 can be further distinguished from the SD38-2 by its three roof-mounted radiator fans and a single large exhaust stack.
There are several variations of SD40-2 in service. In our 2025 production, we are modeling the original standard SD40-2. We are offering models in eight prototypical paint schemes, plus 2 military fantasy schemes. Each model is equipped with our Paragon4 DC/DCC Sound & Control System. In addition to the Paragon4 series models, we also offer one road number in each paint scheme in our Stealth Series - these models are No-Sound / DCC-Ready.
The order deadline for the SD40-2's in N scale is November 26th, 2024
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