The M1a's and M1b's are 4-8-2 "mountain" type steam locomotives operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Use primarily for hauling freight, many PRR crews regarded the M1's as the pinnacle of the railroad's steam power.
Standout features on both classes are the square-shouldered Belpaire firebox, the 72-inch driving wheels, and a large cross-mounted air tank positioned at the front of the locomotive. The differences between the M1a and M1b classes are minor. The M1b's have firebox circulators that are absent from the M1a's, and the sole visible distinction are the extra cleaning plugs on the firebox sides for maintaining the circulators.
In 2024, BLI is building models of the M1a and M1b. BLI is offering three prototypical road numbers of each class, as well as an unlettered M1a, an unlettered M1b, and two PRR-style fantasy paint schemes that the M1's never wore while in service. All of the Paragon4 series models are equipped with the newest Paragon4 DC/DCC Sound decoder featuring Rolling Thunder and an integral GoPack capacitor pack.
Industry-Leading Model Features:
Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring Rolling Thunder
Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation
Die Cast Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort
Premium Caliber Painting
Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers
Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Ladders, Piping, Whistle, and Bell
Prototypically Accurate Sounds for PRR M1a Steam Locomotive
Microtrains-compatible Couplers (2)
Will operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail
Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches
Paragon4 Features:
Operates in DC and DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
Built-in extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track
Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
Switcher Mode for precision low speed control
Record & Play Operation - records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
High resolution audio
Quillable horn for various whistle lengths and patterns
Choice of three 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 keysMultiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command Grade Crossing automatic signal
Automatic forward / reverse signal
Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load
Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
EZ Reset button for quick return to factory default settings