HO EMD BL2 Locomotive w/ DCC - Rock Island #426
Standing for “Branch Line Locomotive” the BL2 was EMD’s first foray into lighter-duty switching power, with production commencing in 1947.
Overview
Designed for improved visibility for the engineer during operation, the locomotive was one of the earliest diesels to feature a wide cab and a narrow long hood, allowing for a clearer view when operating reverse movements. With styling cues taken from the streamliners of its time, the BL2 has remained popular with railfans throughout the years. Originally utilized for both freight and passenger duties on secondary lines, examples can still be found in service today, handling excursions and short-line freight runs.
Features
- All-new body tooling
- Dual-mode NMRA-compliant DCC decoder
- Roadname specific details including headlight style, steam generator exhaust stack, roof-mounted radiator, and cab window sunshades
- Precision motor with all-wheel drive
- Highly detailed painted body with precision graphics
- Blackened metal wheels with RP25 contours
- DCC On Board® equipped for speed, direction, and lighting control
- Speaker enclosure for sound decoder upgrades
- Separately applied detail parts on all examples include metal and plastic handrails, air brake angle cocks, windshield wipers, horns, and metal uncoupling levers
- Operating front and rear headlights with Rule 17 operation or automatic direction control
- Magnetically operated E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers
- Performs best on 18” radius curves or greater
