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 Posted - January 10 2026 : 1:47:37 PM
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With Bachmann releasing their BL2 last year, I thought it would be interesting to compare it with previous models from Life-Like Proto 2000 and AHM. And so, after quite a bit of work and taking a close look at each part, I managed to get a video together while doing my best to keep things unbiased!
Darth Santa Fe, doing weird and challenging projects for the fun of it!
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 Posted - January 10 2026 : 10:28:29 PM
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I've ridden in the cab of a BL2. It was the full-sized WM 82. It's funny how much they gave up to have those rear-facing windows in the cab, because if you try to see anything through them, it's disappointing. It's a bit like peeking through a keyhole.
The engineer talked about the engine some and said that the frames were not very stout, so they didn't work well in multi-unit consists. In the engine, we didn't talk much because it's noisy in that cab so we both wore ear plugs.
I don't think many were sold. I think the more capable GP7 came along soon after the BL2 did and stole its thunder. It's an interesting footnote in history, but not very successful. I can see, though, how people would want a model of it, because it's kind of interesting looking.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - January 12 2026 : 5:30:28 PM
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It is my understanding that the GP7 came about because the BL@2s were time consuming and difficult to build. The lack of an undeframe was undoubtedly part of the equation. EMD had tried to redesign the F3 with better visibility be reducing the size of the carbody trusses, which weakened the locomotive. F units and BL2s are built like truss bridges, with the structural strength in the carbody sides, in those trusses. In the BL2s, those trusses were hidden by the distinctive fenders. and were about half the size of the ones used in the F3.
The GP7 did away with the trusses by going to the tried and true beam underframes used by all the other builder, and even EMD itself in its switchers. This resulted in a stronger locomotive, with better visibility that was also easier and cheaper to construct. The rest is history. As an ironic footnote, Alco was concerned enough by the BL2 that it proposed an RS2 with a full width cowl body. It was a neat looking concept nut none were ever built. One of my New Haven books shows the Alco artwork for this locomotive.
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Posted - January 13 2026 : 11:14:16 PM
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quote:As an ironic footnote, Alco was concerned enough by the BL2 that it proposed an RS2 with a full width cowl body. It was a neat looking concept nut none were ever built. One of my New Haven books shows the Alco artwork for this locomotive.
Originally posted by jward - January 12 2026 : 5:30:28 PM
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That would be interesting to see! With today's technology, someone might be able to take that drawing and make a believable printable shell to fit over an RS-2 chassis.
Darth Santa Fe, doing weird and challenging projects for the fun of it!
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