Description

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 BLI’s first production, they 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. These 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

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 settingsReplacement non-traction tire drivers are available for purchase from our service department

**Specifications on this page subject to change.