roadway Limited Imports is proud to
introduce the new BlueLine series of value-enhanced DC sound-equipped
products. Since the time we pioneered mass-produced HO scale sound-equipped
locomotives nearly five years ago, many technological advances have allowed
us to significantly reduce the cost associated with building a quality
sound-equipped model. Now, with the BlueLine, model railroaders will find
good detail and running qualities coupled with a state-of-the-art DC sound
system that is DCC Ready-All at significantly lower prices. The BlueLine was
designed with today's value-conscious modeler in mind.
Where does the savings come from? It
comes from streamlining manufacturing processes and new technologies that we
have developed in-house. We no longer pay the exorbitant licensing fees we
have incurred in the past for our newly developed sound and control system.
And by offering BlueLine in a DC sound, DCC-Ready configuration, we allow
those who use DC only to save on features they don't need while allowing DCC
users to inexpensively and quickly (plug 'n' play) convert to DCC.
Find BLI's first HO BlueLine diesel,
the EMD SD40-2, at your favorite hobby dealer today.
Experience the savings of BlueLine first hand, while adding a formidable
sound-equipped workhorse (or workhorses) to your layout. Preordering is
requested to allow us to better gauge production quantities.
Great
Features.
Great Value.
At last, you can have
sound on your layout for much, much less.
The BlueLine Advantage:
Ready-to-Run, Well-Detailed, Durable
Locomotives with significantly lower prices.
DC Sound-Equipped, DCC
Ready.
DCC users can quickly and
easily install their favorite DCC decoders into the included plug 'n'
play socket. This allows for both sound and operation control of the
loco.
DC Sound Effects operated with
DCMaster Analog Control Module.
Electronics & Sound System is
Update-Ready via Internet download should future updates be required.
Low Start-Voltage, even when
operating with Sound in DC
Many varieties and Paint Schemes to
accommodate smaller Road Names
The best sound system in model
trains: The most volume and frequency response, playable whistle/horn,
numerous idle sounds and automatic sounds and more.
Our own
proprietary sound system means the best sound for you. At the
best price possible.
Out-of-the-box, BlueLine locomotives come with a DC sound and control
board. (DCC Ready for both Sound and DCC.
Removal of the
top board reveals the NMRA standard 8-pin socket for plug 'n' play DCC
decoder installation for Sound and Operation in DCC.
DCC users may
install their favorite DCC decoder. Digitrax DN143IP is shown plugged
into the socket.
BlueLine General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Which sound
system is used inside BlueLine products?
A:
BlueLine locomotives are factory sound equipped with our own proprietary
sound system. We have designed it based on customer feedback provided to us in the past five years. It is designed to be the new industry benchmark.
Q:
How does your new proprietary sound system
compare with others available on the market?
A:
We believe that our new sound system is the best
sound system available today. Our new sound system has
the most powerful sound and volume, the richest bass response and the
most crisp high frequency response. Of course, we still pay meticulous
attention to prototypical accuracy in sound reproduction.
Q:
How
do I trigger the sounds on my DC layout?
A:
User-controlled sound effects on BlueLine
locomotives can be triggered using a DCMaster Analog Control Module.
Users of Precision Craft Models locomotives may already own this
affordable accessory and may use their existing DCMaster for BlueLine
products. Using the DCMaster, the horn/whistle, bell and another
Auxiliary sound (varies by prototype) such as a 2nd horn may be
activated. Other sounds are automatically triggered. Many more sounds
are available for user-control when DCC is installed.
Q:
Can I activate BlueLine
sounds in DC using my Quantum Engineer or Sidekick?
A:
No. Due to patent restrictions, we were unable to
make Quantum Engineer and Sidekick compatible with our new system.
Q: Do BlueLine locomotives have playable whistles?
A:
Yes. All BlueLine products
have playable whistles and horns so you can play whatever sequence you
desire.
Q:
How is BlueLine so much more affordable than the competition?
A:
BlueLine is designed with the value-savvy
consumer in mind. The main cost-savings is in the use of our proprietary
sound system. We no longer pay high licensing fees and can therefore
pass along savings to you. In addition, we have optimized system
hardware, streamlining its design to be more cost-effective. Detail level, running characteristics and weight are all identical to Paragon Series products. Finally,
by offering BlueLine as a DC sound product, DC users no longer pay for
DCC features they don't use while allowing DCC users to quickly and
easily convert to DCC via plug 'n' play of their favorite decoder.
Q:
How do the running characteristics of BlueLine products compare
with that of more expensive Paragon Series products?
A:
There are no compromises in
running quality made for the BlueLine. You will find silky smooth
operation and powerful pulling capabilities in each BlueLine locomotive.
Q: Are BlueLine products limited run?
A:
Absolutely. We have a strict
build-to-order policy so we recommend pre-ordering with your favorite
hobby shop as soon as possible. Some additional overages will be
produced, but it will be greatly reduced from quantities generated with
our Paragon Series line.
Q:
When can I expect to see the first BlueLine products on the
market?
A:
The BlueLine locomotives are in stores
now. Contact your favorite hobby shop today!
Q: What is the best method to program my
BlueLine locomotives in DCC?
A:
We recommend programming BlueLine
locomotives on the main in Ops mode. If you do not know the engine
ID/Address, or if the engine does not respond, set CV08 to 8 on the
PROGRAM track using direct mode programming. This will reset all onboard
addresses to the factory default of 3.
NCE PROCAB
users, please note the
following tips:
1.
When changing from one 4-digit address to another 4-digit address, first
reprogram the engine to engine 3. Then program to the new 4-digit
address.
2.
When programming on the program track, the NCE system will not be able
to read the CV's from the BlueLine locomotives unless the PROCAB has the
latest available firmware from NCE. The BlueLine engines can still be
programmed. Simply press 'ENTER' when the controller gives the "CANNOT
READ CV" message.
DIGITRAX DT400 users, please note the
following tips:
1.
When changing from a 2-digit
address to a 4-digit address, the system will ask if you want to enable
4-digit addressing. Respond by enter "Y".
2.
When
changing from a 4-digit address to a 2-digit address, you must first
enter the address, then manually reset CV29 back to its default value of
6.
When using a LENZ Silver MP
decoder, cut the green wire to prevent the headlight from going out when
the bell is activated.
Q:
What DCC Decoders are recommended for use in BlueLine locomotives?
A:
Any NMRA compliant DCC decoder will work with a BlueLine locomotive as
long as it physically will fit into the cavity of each particular
locomotive. However, below is a listing of decoders BLI has tested and
recommends:
Brand
Model
Use Extension Plug?
Notes
Digitrax
DN143IP
YES
Tiny decoder. Excellent
fit.
NCE
N14IP
YES
Tiny decoder. Excellent fit.
LENZ
Silver-MP
NO
Excellent Back EMF
Train Control Systems (TCS)
M1P-SH
NO
-
ESU
LokPilot Micro#52610
NO
Provides excellent back EMF in DC
and DCC. Adjustable DC start voltage.
MRC
1650
YES*
*Must shorten plug leads
and use adapter to fit over light plug or leave light plug in J1
Q: What if my
locomotive runs backwards?
A:
If the locomotive runs backwards after installing a DCC decoder, turn
the decoder around 180 degrees in the socket. If the decoder will only
fit one way, then change CV29 to 7 for a short address or to 39 for a
long address.
Q: What if my front
and rear light are out of synch with my locomotive direction after
installing a DCC decoder?
A:
Move the light plug from J1 to J7, as instructed in the Operator's
Manual section on Installing a DCC decoder.
Q: How do I enable the
open steam cock sound on my Blueline steam locomotive?
A:
Set CV196 to 2 or 3.
CV196 sets the number of wheel rotations for which will hear this sound
when the engine starts moving.
Q:
How do I enable the rod
knock sound on my Blueline steam locomotive?
A:
Set CV197 to 2 or 3.
CV197 sets the number of wheel rotations for which will hear the sound
of the rod knock when the engine decelerates.
Q:
Why does the engine sound
seem to get quieter on my SD40 when the horn blows?
A:
The engine sounds get
quieter to make the horn more pronounced. To reduce this effect, simply
set CV183 to 80 or 90. CV183 sets the percentage of normal volume the
engine sounds will play at while the horn is playing.
Q: Are the ditch
lights adjustable on my BlueLine AC6000?
A:The ditch lights
are very adjustable. The default is to come on when the horn blows.
Some DC
options: -Aux button on DC Master controls ditch lights if CV220 and CV222
are set to 3.
-If CV221 is set to 1, the ditch light come on with the bell.
Some DCC options: -Set CV226 to 1 to make the ditch lights come on with the bell. Set
to 0 to return to default.
-If CV225 is set to 3, F7 controls ditch lights.
To Make the lights on solid all the time set: CV225-3, CV160-3,
CV161=50, CV162=2, CV163=3 and CV164 is 10. F7 turns them on and off.
