11-04-2009, 01:58 PM
The first model from the BLI line was the original "Paragon". BLI is credited with bringing sound decoders to the HO market, and their Paragon series all had QSI decoders. These were also involved in litigation with MTH, so the QSI's had to have their BEMF sensitivity disabled. That is why QSI, subsequent to the settlement with MTH, offered their "upgraded chip" for $25 back in 2006. All but one of my original Paragon line now have the upgrade.
At the same time, BLI offered straight DC, and slightly less detailed, engines in what they termed "Powerhouse" line.
In 2006/07, BLI launched their BlueLine series meant for those still fast in DC but who also thought sound was nifty. Those engines, bar none, all have BLI's own sound decoder, but it is not a QSI (correction to a post earlier), and it is not...repeat...not a motive decoder....sound only. People have snapped them up because they are very close to exactly the same shell and detailing, including drivetrains, as the Paragon series. Add a $20 TCS motive decoder and you have a nice engine with sound for maybe $40 less than a Paragon purchased at discount prices.
At about the same time, maybe a few months earlier than the BlueLine (so we're talking late 2005/early 2006), BLI launched their Stealth series. Paragon in every way, but strictly a non-decodered engine. No sounds, no motive decoder, not DCC, and only a light board to control directional lighting.
When the lawsuit between the Korean Model manufacturer and MTH was settled, BLI was obliged to hand over to MTH several engines' worth of tooling, including their nice GG1, and the hugely successful Big Boy. I recall that BLI's J Class from the N&W, a 4-8-4, was also part of the 'payment/settlement'.
I recently purchased a 'new' Stealth J Class and had a friend install a Tsunami 'heavy'. Looks darned nice and works very well.
Most recently, BLI launched a series of brass offerings. When the dust setttled, they converted already available brass parts into their new "Hybrid" line, excellent value. Now, with their new Paragon II, they use their own decoders.
At the same time, BLI offered straight DC, and slightly less detailed, engines in what they termed "Powerhouse" line.
In 2006/07, BLI launched their BlueLine series meant for those still fast in DC but who also thought sound was nifty. Those engines, bar none, all have BLI's own sound decoder, but it is not a QSI (correction to a post earlier), and it is not...repeat...not a motive decoder....sound only. People have snapped them up because they are very close to exactly the same shell and detailing, including drivetrains, as the Paragon series. Add a $20 TCS motive decoder and you have a nice engine with sound for maybe $40 less than a Paragon purchased at discount prices.
At about the same time, maybe a few months earlier than the BlueLine (so we're talking late 2005/early 2006), BLI launched their Stealth series. Paragon in every way, but strictly a non-decodered engine. No sounds, no motive decoder, not DCC, and only a light board to control directional lighting.
When the lawsuit between the Korean Model manufacturer and MTH was settled, BLI was obliged to hand over to MTH several engines' worth of tooling, including their nice GG1, and the hugely successful Big Boy. I recall that BLI's J Class from the N&W, a 4-8-4, was also part of the 'payment/settlement'.
I recently purchased a 'new' Stealth J Class and had a friend install a Tsunami 'heavy'. Looks darned nice and works very well.
Most recently, BLI launched a series of brass offerings. When the dust setttled, they converted already available brass parts into their new "Hybrid" line, excellent value. Now, with their new Paragon II, they use their own decoders.