Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce our new models of the Boston & Maine T1a and T1b 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotives. In the 1920's, in stiff competition with the Boston & Albany, the B&M was looking for better motive power to handle the stiff grades across the hills of Massachusetts. In 1925, the Lima 2-8-4 demonstrator A-1 completed test service on the B&A, and the Boston & Maine chose to try her as well. They received their initial order of 20 locomotives in 1928, and an additional five locomotives (Class T1b) in 1929. All 25 locomotives were equipped with a notable Coffin feedwater heater extending forward from the smokebox, and trailing trucks with boosters. The most noticeable difference between the T1a and T1b locomotives is the shape and size of the large sand dome in the center of the boiler, and we have also modeled several less visible differences in conduit and piping. Another major difference is that the T1a's ran with a 4-wheel tender for much of their lives, whereas the T1b's ran with a 6-wheel tender from the beginning. Our models of the T1a have a 4-wheel tender, our models of the T1b have a 6-wheel tender.
In our first production, we are offering models of four fully decorated T1a's and two decorated T1b's, along with an unlettered model of each. Each of the models will come with a disk main driver and Baker valve gear. Our models have die cast locomotive and tender bodies for maximum weight and tractive effort. Each model comes with our Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC sound system with synchronized puffing smoke and integral GoPack capacitors.
Industry-leading Model Features:
ALL-NEW Paragon4 Sound & Control System
Synchronized Puffing Smoke with Chuff Sound
Variable Puffing Smoke Intensity and timing
Integral DCC Decoder with Back EMF for Industry Best Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
Precision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
5-Pole Can Motor with Skew Wound Armature
Heavy Die Cast Boiler, Tender Body, and Chassis for Increased Tractive Effort
Premium Caliber Painting with Authentic Paint Scheme
Separately Controllable Headlight, Reverse Light, Cab Light, Front Marker Lights, and Rear Marker Lights (T1b only)
Factory-installed Engineer and Fireman Figures
Optional Piping Shroud (sometimes present above walkway near cab) will be included in box with model.
Prototypically Accurate Details for Each Road Number
Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Ladders, Piping, Cab Glass, Whistle, Brass Bell, Markers, Numberboards, Air Tanks, and Many Others
Equipped with Rubber Traction Tires for Increased Pulling Power
Recommended Minimum Radius: 18 inches
Accurate Prototypical Sounds for the Boston & Main Berkshire locomotives
Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4: The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level as Broadway Limited's Paragon3 Series models.
Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features:
Operates in DC & DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
Built-In capacitor pack to navigate imperfect track
Capacitor Pack automatically disabled on program track for full compatibility with JMRI Decoder Pro
Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
Switcher Mode for precise low speed control.
Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
High Resolution Audio
Quillable Whistle for various whistle lengths and patterns
Choice of 3 selectable Horns
Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
Johnson Bar Sound at Direction Change
Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal - When activated, stopping triggers and stop whistle toot. When moving forward from a stopped position, toots twice. When moving in reverse. toots three times.
Chuff sound intensity varies with load
Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings
Replacement non-traction tire drivers are available for purchase from our service department