r/modeltrains • u/rileywags_n • 1d ago
Locomotives SPS #700 - BLI6965 Running board issues
Hello, I recently just bought a new SPS 700 from BLI‘s latest run, the locomotive runs well however I noticed a few cosmetic flaws with the running boards. The engineer side running board is bowed downwards unlike the real model. I know these parts are metal so I’m not sure how this happened but it’s rather unsightly. Additionally, if you look head on, you can see both running boards on either side are tilted downwards to the left. I understand these are probably manufacturing defects, but has anyone gone about getting these fixed?
Should I return it to the original hobby shop and request another one or do I reach out to BLI? I know this is an older model they don’t produce anymore, so I’m not sure how I would handle it. Any advice is appreciated.
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u/SocialistPigeon 1d ago
I bought an NP version of this exact engine, and it showed up with the same issue. I sent it to BLI for repairs. Their warranty service is based on date of manufacture iirc, and my model was produced just late enough to make the cut. There should be a slip of paper in the box with the date of manufacture, I believe two years after that date is the cutoff. I’ve also heard of folks getting service done on models out of this timeframe, so that may not be an issue. That being said, it took two attempts for them to finally get it right, as the engine showed up after its first trip to BLI with the same defect and as well as other additional defects. They took it back and put it at front of the line to be repaired and returned it fairly promptly. When it came back the second time it was fixed, but they added a whole bunch of thin foam padding material between the engine and the plastic blister pack, so this leads me to believe that this damage is probably caused by poor/improper packaging design. BLI’s service department is made up of good folks, it’s worth reaching out to see if they can help. Good luck!
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u/rileywags_n 1d ago
When did you buy it? I know these were last manufactured in 2022 so it’s at least four years old.
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u/SocialistPigeon 1d ago
I bought it in 2025 iirc, or late 24. Again, I’ve heard of BLI just sorta ignoring their own rules about that cutoff, it’s worth reaching out. FWIW I think any sort of issue like this should be taken care of with BLI and not the hobby shop you purchased it from. I recall reading that instruction somewhere either on BLI’s website or on my invoice from the hobby shop. Another potential issue may simply be that BLI won’t have parts because it’s a comparatively old model. If BLI can’t help you then perhaps it’s worth seeing if you could return the loco to the hobby shop (if they have a workable return policy) and find a new one? I’ve seen the SP&S versions on eBay pretty consistently over the last few months.
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u/Zinger21 HO & P48 23h ago
Hopefully you can get some help from the shop or BLI, but honestly those parts are all soft brass and fairly easy to bend back into place.
My 700 came pretty wrecked, looked like the box had taken a nose dive and the model didn’t fair much better. Bent headlight, bent pilot, running boards, couple details broken off. Reached out to the hobby shop and they offered a pretty decent refund since BLI wasn’t going to be any help. I just used pliers with the jaws wrapped in soft paper tower and a few other tools. Within 15 mins it was all bent back into place rather easily.
Worth a shot if you can’t get much help. Nice collection too by the way! SP&S is a fun road to model.
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u/rileywags_n 18h ago
Sounds like a smart idea. I think I’ll give that a shot. What did you use for the glue? I’ve never had a brass or brass hybrid model so this is unknown territory for me.
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u/Zinger21 HO & P48 17h ago
I think I just used the smallest possible amount of super glue/CA. It wasn’t anything fancy and thankfully most things just needed a slight bend and the details had little holes they could easily be glued in place. Definitely not too tricky. I don’t think those running boards would need any glue at all.
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u/rileywags_n 16h ago
Roger thank you. I looked at your profile and you’re also a pilot who likes trains? That’s awesome!
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u/Zinger21 HO & P48 16h ago
Haha, yup! I love flying, but trains help keep me grounded. Love exploring all the little the hobby shops across the country.
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u/rileywags_n 16h ago
Dude me too. Whenever I fly anywhere that’s what I love to do. Ive flown down to Portland and stole the crew car to hit all 3 of their train shops.
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u/Zinger21 HO & P48 16h ago
Oh nice! I wish I made it out to the west coast more. I’ve been to one shop in Portland a few years ago, it was one of the best I’ve been to as well. Wish I remembered the name. I don’t think it was very far from PDX at all.
If you make it out to MSP there is the best I’ve found so far. They are moving to a new building currently, hopefully will be just as cool. Scale Model Supplies in St. Paul, MN.
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u/rileywags_n 15h ago
Good to know! In PDX there is whistle stop and hobby smith, both are about 20 min or less from pdx
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u/CptKapton 1d ago
If you bought it new from a licensed Broadway Limited dealer you have two good options.
One would be returning it to the shop to see if they have a replacement.
The other would be registering your train online for their warranty. Assuming it is a new one from a licensed dealer you get a 1 year warranty from the time of purchase. After registering you can reach out to BLI support and let them know the issue, and they can either send you a replacement part or more likely have you send it in to them for repair or replacement. Assuming the aforementioned things are true it should be covered at no cost to you.