[afboundguy]

Has anyone had any luck with BLI repairing their engines that were just slightly out of warranty? I've read great things about this repair service mainly on FB but I was curious if anyone's had success stories on here? My P3 GG1 is 3 months out of warranty and one of the gears is totally junk now and I'm hoping they'll hook me up!

 

[JeffHurl]

I have no experience with slightly beyond warranty, but they did fix my brand new N gauge Heavy Mikado that was DOA. The service wasn't fast, but the product was returned to me completely fixed.

I have a feeling that their business model is "spotty QA from China, and a repair facility in Florida is still cheaper than good QA up front."

Hopefully, that same business model puts customer satisfaction above all else.

 

[mesenteria]

I have only ever sent one locomotive to BLI for out-of-warranty repair. They had it back to me in six weeks, and that's to Canada, and it cost me my shipping to them plus USD$44. Runs like a top again. I have returned two locomotives over the 17 years I have been in the hobby, and both were returned within about five weeks fully restored. This was more than ten years ago for all instances I cite. I read that the turn around times are longer, but I don't think it is much more than about six to eight weeks.

 

[JeffHurl]

Yeah, mine took about 5 weeks door to door. This was just a couple of months ago.

 

[afboundguy]

Just heard from BLI today and they said they'd fix the GG1 since it was so close to when the warranty ended! Waiting to get their repair number and then I'll send it back and patiently wait...

 

[scott.friedman480]

Had several that I've had to send for warranty, never a problem getting fixed, but yeah the turn-around is lengthy. But they've repaired everything I've sent them.

 

[scott7891]

My Paragon 3 locomotive they fixed free of charge, my Paragon 2s I had to pay the repair fee per engine but were worth it especially since it was a brass-hybrid Pennsy Q2 4-4-6-4.

 

[Old_Hobo]

Had several that I've had to send for warranty

Several? Why do I find that ominous…..?

I’ve never had to return a locomotive for servicing….ever….I own Athearn, Proto 2000, Bowser, Rapido, even Hornby….

Just sayin’…..

 

[JeffHurl]

As I mentioned, it appears to me that BLI's business model (whether intentional or not) is one of "We'll accept poor manufacturing QA from the cheapest source and establish a solid repair facility to handle things domestically."

I just wonder how long that strategy will bear fruit given today's "immediate gratification" younger generations.

 

[Old_Hobo]

Well, if they’re having them built at the cheapest source, I shudder to think what they would cost if they used a more expensive one….they are pricy to begin with, IMO….