[Request] EMD BL-2

[PurdueGuy]

I'd love it if someone could make an EMD BL-2 for LoMo. They're a very unique loco, yet a good one. By the way, the "BL" is for "Branch Line". It was EMD's first try (that I'm aware of) at making a loco that you didn't have to stick your head out of to see back along the train - which is good when your loco is backward and the back is front (such as would happen often on "branch lines." )

Below are some pics

*edit* - I figured out how to show the pics. If anyone prefers clickable thumbnails, just let me know how to make it work. I figured out how to get thumbnails, but not clickable ones.





I decided to only show the 1st 2, if anyone needs/wants more pics, just click. Hopefully this saves load time for some folks.

http://img1.uploadimages.net/561867bl2-33p.PNG

http://img1.uploadimages.net/927729bl2-35p.PNG

http://img1.uploadimages.net/927366bl2-36p.PNG

http://img1.uploadimages.net/346103bl2-37p.PNG

http://img1.uploadimages.net/039986bl2-37p2.PNG

Yes, I'm a Monon Railroad fan. I've got some other locos of theirs I'd like to see, but I think this one is the most interesting and my #1 choice.

*edit* Found some info - looking for more.

(From http://www.btsrr.com/btsbl2.htm )

In 1948, the first of 59 branch line locos rolled out of the EMD shops. This loco was the link between the F-units and the first of the Geeps. With curved fenders, slab sides, and angled hoods, most folks either love or hate the beast!
According to our sources*, nine railroads owned BL2s:

Bangor & Aroostook 8
Boston & Maine 4
Chicago & Eastern Illinois 3
Chesapeake & Ohio 14
Florida East Coast 6
Missouri Pacific 8
Monon 9
Rock Island 5
Western Maryland 2

(taken from http://exotic.railfan.net/BL2.htm )

BL2 Technical Data:

Model: BL2
Engine: 567B
16 cylinders
Produced: 1948-49
Units sold: 59 (1 BL1 and 58 BL2s)
Horsepower: 1500

Technical Features:

1. The BL2 produced 56,200 lbs. of tractive effort with a dry weight of just over 210,000 pounds.
2. The BL2 could carry 1,100 gallons of fuel oil, 200 gallons of lube oil, 204 gallons of cooling water, and 16 cubic feet of sand.
3. Although not originally intended for multiple-unit operation, most BL2s were modified for this type of service. They could also be equipped with dual controls for bi-directional capability.
4. The BL2 was available with an optional steam boiler for passenger service, the tank could hole 625 gallons of water for the boiler.
5. Weakness of the frames in the BL2 limited their usefulness in multiple-unit operation to no more than 2 units at one time.

Normal maximum speed was 65 m.p.h. on a standard gear ratio of 62:15. A ratio of 65:12 allowed 55 m.p.h., 71 m.p.h. on 61:16, 77 m.p.h. on 60:17, 83 m.p.h. on 59:18, 89 m.p.h. on 58:19, 95 m.p.h. on 57:20, and 102 m.p.h. on 56:21

*edit* Found a diagram at http://exotic.railfan.net/EDL%20Resourc ... iagram.JPG



*edit* - just found out that Transport Giant apparently has BL-2's. Too bad everyone seems to think the gameplay is bad. Maybe they'll do a TG2. I know Industry Giant 2 was a HUGE improvement over IG1.

http://www.transportgiant.com/images/ss ... eek_14.jpg

[JTanczos]

Wow that is cool! I never even heard about these before this. Ide love to see them in game as well as the others.

I run all kinds of locos in the game even after they have outlived their usefulness just to keep a part of the past alive! Well in the game at least

JT

[Hack]

I have a BL1 I created some time back, which should be easy enough to convert to a BL2:



I've got a couple of other projects needing attention first before I can monkey around with a BL2 for Lomo.

[Korenn]

what exactly is the difference between the BL1 and 2? they looky pretty identical to me...

[Hack]

Not much difference (handrails) - not that it'll matter in Lomo.

[metalangel]

Oh wow, those are extremely cool! They remind me of a sort of diesel version of the GG-1... anyone else see that or am I just going insane?

[PurdueGuy]

Oh wow, those are extremely cool! They remind me of a sort of diesel version of the GG-1... anyone else see that or am I just going insane?

I can kind of see some resemblance in the curves, I guess. The BL-2 is basically an F7 with a different shell, though.

Hack, that's a pretty good looking model of a BL-1 there. If I remember right, the BL-1 was just a concept model or something, and maybe only 1 existed?

[Hack]

Hack, that's a pretty good looking model of a BL-1 there. If I remember right, the BL-1 was just a concept model or something, and maybe only 1 existed?

Yep - one only. Not a concept though - this was EMD's demonstrator, with minor mods being applied to the final BL2's. Not sure if the BL1 was ever sold to a RR, however.

[TheGrew]

Looks Good