Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce their 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 Broadway Limited Imports 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. Broadway Limited Imports models of the T1a have a 4-wheel tender, their models of the T1b have a 6-wheel tender.

In their first production, Broadway Limited Imports 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. Broadway Limited Imports models have die cast locomotive and tender bodies for maximum weight and tractive effort. Each model comes with Broadway Limited Imports Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC sound system with synchronized puffing smoke and integral GoPack capacitors.

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

Order Due Date: September 21, 2023

Anticipated Delivery Date: February 2024

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