Introduction

BLI 7797 HO Scale T1b Berkshire 2-8-4 Steam Loco Boston & Maine B&M 4024 Stealth

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

In this first production, BLI is 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. In addition to the Paragon4 versions, several of the models are available in Stealth Series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always illuminated with track power. Additionally, some lighting may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs.

FEATURES:

• Stealth Series – Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No Sound
• Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are illuminated with track power
• Model comes with 8-ohm speaker already installed for easy installation of DCC/Sound decoder
• 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

NOTE: Road number may vary from picture shown.