BLI Frisco SW7, SLSF 304

As mentioned this morning ..... here are pics I took today of my HO Broadway Limited Frisco SW7, SLSF 304.

This is still in the BLI paint and lettering, but with detail parts and accenting added by me. It runs ..... well, OK, but not great. The red/orange is a shade too red, and is kind of dull, making it look oxidized a bit. Lettering and numbers are OK, not dead on, but OK.

The problem with this model is that it represents nothing exactly. The side louvers are close to what was used on the NW2 and on the SW7, but not totally correct for either. But, for a SW7, and a NW2, it's close. The SW9 did not have the top row of louvers, as did the SW7 and the NW2 (after Phase I). The BLI model does has a top row of louvers, but they are not correct for either a SW7 or a NW2. BLI must believe in compromises!

The hood transition to the cab, and the front cab windows, are correct for a SW7, SW9 and final phase (Phase V) NW2. The earlier phase NW2's had front cab windows with curved tops, and the hood transition to the cab was a two-step thing. The full front radiator is correct for a SW7 or a SW9, but not for a NW2. The headlight - dual, vertical sealed beam, is correct for only the SW9.

But, using the 3-foot rule, it is OK for a Frisco SW7 as long as you don't get worked up about the headlight!

Refer to Extra 2200 South, July-August 1973, p20, "All About SW's", by the late Dan Dover for more background. Dan defined all the NW/SW "phases" in this article.

These BLI Frisco models are available now and then on eBay or HOYARDSALE. I'd recommend getting one as long as you get it at a fair price ..... and as long as you are not a nit-picker like I am! I guess I'm OK that I bought one, but happy I did not buy the second number, SLSF 300.

And ..... BLI should have done this model in black & yellow! I think they would have sold more of them in b/y.

Ken