Broadway Limited Imports

Presenting a brand-new HO scale production run of the iconic Southern Pacific GS-4—this time with a twist: de-skirted versions!

So, what does de-skirted mean? On this version of the GS-4, it refers to the removal of the streamlined side skirting along the boiler. The Southern Pacific made this modification sometime before 1956 to improve maintenance access for crews. Around this time, many GS-4s were reassigned to San Jose–San Francisco Peninsula commute service, freight duties, and occasional appearances on the San Joaquin Daylight.

This run features new tooling to accurately represent the de-skirted GS-4s, along with several new paint scheme variations, including the aluminum-painted pilot trim and two all-new fantasy schemes.

For those modeling the Southern Pacific during the transition from steam to diesel, these locomotives are a perfect fit—both historically and visually. And for fans of the legendary #4449, we're also bringing back a few popular versions of this famous locomotive, which still runs today thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and the Friends of SP 4449.

Each model is available with our newest Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC sound system with synchronized puffing smoke and integral GoPack capacitors. Our models have die cast locomotive and tender bodies for maximum weight and tractive effort.

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 best-in-class 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 Schemes
• Prototypical Light Operation with Separately Controllable Headlight, Reverse Light, Cab Light, Mars Light, Front Numberboards, Front Marker Lights, and Rear Marker Lights
• Factory-installed Engineer and Fireman Figures
• Prototypically Accurate Details for Each Road Number
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Ladders, Conduit, Generators, Whistle, Horn, and Brass Bell
• Equipped with Rubber Traction Tires for Increased Pulling Power
• Recommended Minimum Radius: 22 inches
• Accurate Prototypical Sounds for the SP GS-4 Northern

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 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 — 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 — stopping triggers a stop whistle toot; moving forward toots twice; 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

Specifications subject to change.

An A/B pair of Chicago Great Western F3s in the railroad's striking maroon, red and yellow – the colors of the "Corn Belt Route."

The Prototype

The Chicago Great Western linked Chicago, the Twin Cities, Kansas City and Omaha across the Midwest's corn country. Smaller than its rivals, the CGW competed by running long, heavy freight trains behind big sets of EMD F-units, and it dieselized early with F3s in the late 1940s. The railroad kept its maroon-and-red F-units working until it merged into the Chicago & North Western in 1968.

The EMD F3 was a 1,500 hp cab-unit diesel built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division from 1945 to 1949. It was EMD's third F-unit model and the second most produced after the F7, with more than 1,100 A-units and almost 700 B-units built for both passenger and freight service.

What's in the Box

• CGW #101A – powered F3A with Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC
• CGW #101B – unpowered F3B booster

Add BLI 6662 (F3A, CGW #101C) to build a full A-B-A set like the prototype.

Paragon4 Sound & Control (A-unit)

• Factory-installed Paragon4 decoder – runs on DC or DCC (use DCMaster for sound on DC)
• Rolling Thunder: pair with BLI's Rolling Thunder receiver/subwoofer for deep, room-filling prime mover rumble
• Back EMF motor control for smooth slow-speed running
• Built-in capacitance to ride through dirty or imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode – individual control of every light
• Switcher Mode for precise low-speed control
• Record & Play – records and plays back sounds and movements for automatic operation
• High-resolution audio with quillable horn and 3 selectable horns
• Adjustable bell rate, automatic grade-crossing and forward/reverse signals
• Prime mover sound varies with load; individually adjustable volumes
• EZ Reset button for a quick return to factory defaults

Model Features

• ABS bodies on die-cast chassis
• Precision drive with all-wheel electrical pickup (A-unit)
• Separately applied handrails, grab irons, horn, bell, wipers and etched-metal grills
• Road-specific details matched to the CGW prototype
• Individually controllable lights: headlight, Mars light (where applicable), numberboards, classification lights, cab light
• Metal Kadee-compatible couplers
• Runs on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail; minimum radius 18"

Specs

• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports
• Item #: 6652
• Road / numbers: Chicago Great Western #101A / #101B
• Paint: Maroon/red/yellow
• Model: EMD F3A (powered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC) + F3B (unpowered)

Southern Pacific's "Black Widow" F7 booster – the dramatic black, silver and orange freight scheme that ran SP's Sunset Route right through Tucson.

The Prototype

The EMD F7 was a 1,500 hp cab-unit diesel built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division from 1949 to 1953. EMD's fourth F-unit model, it was by far the best-selling cab unit of all time. It differed from the F3 mainly in its internal electrical equipment, with visible changes to the grills and dynamic brake hatches, and many F7s stayed in service for decades.

Southern Pacific dressed its postwar freight diesels in black with silver and orange trim, a look railfans nicknamed the "Black Widow." F-unit sets in this scheme hauled freight over Donner Pass, the Tehachapis and the Sunset Route across southern Arizona until SP adopted its gray-and-scarlet scheme in the late 1950s.

#8144 is a cabless F7B booster, the kind SP ran between A-units to build up horsepower on heavy mountain grades.

Build the Set

Pair with BLI 6694 (F7A, SP #6244) or the 6680 A/B set (SP 6243/8143) for a Black Widow A-B or A-B-B lash-up. This single B-unit is fully powered with its own Paragon4 sound, adding pulling power and a second prime mover.

Paragon4 Sound & Control

• Factory-installed Paragon4 decoder – runs on DC or DCC (use DCMaster for sound on DC)
• Rolling Thunder: pair with BLI's Rolling Thunder receiver/subwoofer for deep, room-filling prime mover rumble
• Back EMF motor control for smooth slow-speed running
• Built-in capacitance to ride through dirty or imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode and Switcher Mode
• Record & Play – records and plays back sounds and movements for automatic operation
• High-resolution audio; prime mover sound varies with load
• Individually adjustable volumes; EZ Reset button for factory defaults

Model Features

• ABS body on a die-cast chassis for maximum pulling power
• Precision drive with all-wheel electrical pickup
• Separately applied handrails, grab irons and etched-metal grills
• Road-specific details matched to the prototype: hatches, fans, dynamic brakes and more
• Metal Kadee-compatible couplers
• Runs on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail; minimum radius 18"

Specs

• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports
• Item #: 6695
• Road / number: Southern Pacific #8144
• Paint: Black Widow (black/silver/orange)
• Model: EMD F7B booster, powered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC

The trailing cab of Santa Fe's F3 passenger set #31, in the red-and-silver Warbonnet – one of the most famous paint schemes ever to roll on American rails.

The Prototype

Created by Electro-Motive stylist Leland Knickerbocker and first applied in 1937, Santa Fe's Warbonnet led the railroad's premier trains, including the Super Chief and El Capitan, across the Southwest between Chicago and California. After World War II, Santa Fe bought EMD F3s to power those trains.

The EMD F3 was a 1,500 hp cab-unit diesel built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division from 1945 to 1949. It was EMD's third F-unit model and the second most produced after the F7, with more than 1,100 A-units and almost 700 B-units built for both passenger and freight service.

Santa Fe identified the units in each passenger set by letter: the lead cab carried an "L," the boosters "A" and "B," and the trailing cab a "C." That makes #31C the rear A-unit of set 31.

Build the Full Set

Combine with BLI 6650 (F3 A/B set, ATSF 31L/31A) and 6659 (F3B, ATSF 31B) for a prototypical four-unit 31L-31A-31B-31C passenger lash-up. We also carry the ATSF #31B booster.

Paragon4 Sound & Control

• Factory-installed Paragon4 decoder – runs on DC or DCC (use DCMaster for sound on DC)
• Rolling Thunder: pair with BLI's Rolling Thunder receiver/subwoofer for deep, room-filling prime mover rumble
• Back EMF motor control for smooth slow-speed running
• Built-in capacitance to ride through dirty or imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode – individual control of every light
• Switcher Mode for precise low-speed control
• Record & Play – records and plays back sounds and movements for automatic operation
• High-resolution audio with quillable horn and 3 selectable horns
• Adjustable bell rate, automatic grade-crossing and forward/reverse signals
• Prime mover sound varies with load; individually adjustable volumes
• EZ Reset button for a quick return to factory defaults

Model Features

• ABS body on a die-cast chassis for maximum pulling power
• Precision drive with all-wheel electrical pickup
• Separately applied handrails, grab irons, horn, bell, wipers and etched-metal grills
• Road-specific details matched to the prototype, including the Santa Fe nose door number plate
• Individually controllable lights: headlight, Mars light (where applicable), numberboards, classification lights, cab light
• Metal Kadee-compatible couplers
• Runs on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail; minimum radius 18"

Specs

• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports
• Item #: 6658
• Road / number: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #31C
• Paint: Warbonnet (red/silver/yellow)
• Model: EMD F3A, powered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC

Photo shows the Warbonnet F3A; road number on the model is 31C.

The powered booster for Santa Fe's F3 passenger set #31, in the classic red-and-silver Warbonnet, with its own full Paragon4 sound system.

The Prototype

Santa Fe's Warbonnet, created by Electro-Motive stylist Leland Knickerbocker and first applied in 1937, led the railroad's premier trains, including the Super Chief and El Capitan, across the Southwest between Chicago and California. After World War II, Santa Fe bought EMD F3s to power them, running A-units and cabless B-unit boosters together to put more horsepower on the head end.

The EMD F3 was a 1,500 hp cab-unit diesel built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division from 1945 to 1949. It was EMD's third F-unit model and the second most produced after the F7, with more than 1,100 A-units and almost 700 B-units built.

Santa Fe lettered the units in each passenger set by position: "L" for the lead cab, "A" and "B" for the boosters, and "C" for the trailing cab. #31B is the second booster of set 31.

Build the Full Set

Combine with BLI 6650 (F3 A/B set, ATSF 31L/31A) and 6658 (F3A, ATSF 31C) for a prototypical four-unit 31L-31A-31B-31C passenger lash-up. We also carry the ATSF #31C cab unit.

Unlike the unpowered B-units packed in BLI's A/B sets, this single B-unit is fully powered with its own Paragon4 sound, so it adds pulling power and a second prime mover to your consist.

Paragon4 Sound & Control

• Factory-installed Paragon4 decoder – runs on DC or DCC (use DCMaster for sound on DC)
• Rolling Thunder: pair with BLI's Rolling Thunder receiver/subwoofer for deep, room-filling prime mover rumble
• Back EMF motor control for smooth slow-speed running
• Built-in capacitance to ride through dirty or imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode and Switcher Mode
• Record & Play – records and plays back sounds and movements for automatic operation
• High-resolution audio; prime mover sound varies with load
• Individually adjustable volumes; EZ Reset button for factory defaults

Model Features

• ABS body on a die-cast chassis for maximum pulling power
• Precision drive with all-wheel electrical pickup
• Separately applied handrails, grab irons and etched-metal grills
• Road-specific details matched to the prototype: hatches, fans, steam generator and more
• Metal Kadee-compatible couplers
• Runs on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail; minimum radius 18"

Specs

• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Manufacturer: Broadway Limited Imports
• Item #: 6659
• Road / number: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #31B
• Paint: Warbonnet (red/silver/yellow)
• Model: EMD F3B booster, powered, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC

Presenting the HO scale production run of the iconic Southern Pacific GS-4—this time with a twist: de-skirted versions!

So, what does de-skirted mean? On this version of the GS-4, it refers to the removal of the streamlined side skirting along the boiler. The Southern Pacific made this modification sometime before 1956 to improve maintenance access for crews. Around this time, many GS-4s were reassigned to San Jose–San Francisco Peninsula commute service, freight duties, and occasional appearances on the San Joaquin Daylight.

This run features new tooling to accurately represent the de-skirted GS-4s, along with several new paint scheme variations, including the aluminum-painted pilot trim and two all-new fantasy schemes.

For those modeling the Southern Pacific during the transition from steam to diesel, these locomotives are a perfect fit—both historically and visually. And for fans of the legendary #4449, we're also bringing back a few popular versions of this famous locomotive, which still runs today thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and the Friends of SP 4449.

Each model is available with our newest Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC sound system with synchronized puffing smoke and integral GoPack capacitors. Our models have die cast locomotive and tender bodies for maximum weight and tractive effort.

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 best-in-class 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 Schemes
• Prototypical Light Operation with Separately Controllable Headlight, Reverse Light, Cab Light, Mars Light, Front Numberboards, Front Marker Lights, and Rear Marker Lights
• Factory-installed Engineer and Fireman Figures
• Prototypically Accurate Details for Each Road Number
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Ladders, Conduit, Generators, Whistle, Horn, and Brass Bell
• Equipped with Rubber Traction Tires for Increased Pulling Power
• Recommended Minimum Radius: 22 inches
• Accurate Prototypical Sounds for the SP GS-4 Northern

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 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 — 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 — stopping triggers a stop whistle toot; moving forward toots twice; 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

The E1 was an early passenger-train diesel locomotive sporting 1800 HP, with an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement, manufactured by Electro-Motive Corporation of La Grange, Illinois. They were built during 1937 and 1938 for the ATSF Railway for a new generation of diesel-powered streamlined trains. Eight cab-equipped lead A-units and three cabless booster B-units were built. The initial three locomotives were AB pairs built to haul the Santa Fe's Super Chief diesel streamliners, while the others were built as single A-units to haul shorter trains. The locomotives were diesel-electrics with two 900 hp (670kW) Winton 201-A engines each, with each engine driving its own generator to power the traction motors. The E1 was the second model in a long line of passenger diesels of similar design known as EMD E-units. All Winton 201A-engined Santa Fe passenger units, including the E1s, were extensively rebuilt into the 80-class E8M engines in 1952-53. These were similar to production E8 models, but reduced to 2000 hp so as not to burn out the early traction (axle) motors (which were reused).

The EA/EB and E1 featured nearly identical and innovative styling showing the influence of the EMC's new buyer General Motors. While they had much mechanically in common with previous experimental EMC locomotives, GM understood the importance of looking new and exciting, not merely being technically innovative. This basic "slant nose" style was continued in the subsequent E3, E4, E5, and E6 models, while a more "bulldog nose" style was tried in the E2 and a style somewhere in between was used in the E7, E8, and E9, as well as the freight diesel cab units. It could fairly be said that the overall styling influenced passenger locomotives around the world.

At more or less the same time, EMC built the EMC EA/EB locomotives for the B&O Railroad. These hauled the Royal Blue, the Capitol Limited, and the National Limited, in addition to others. B&O #52 was sold to Alton in 1940, and became a GM&O locomotive in 1947. These EA/EB locomotives were quite similar in appearance to the ATSF E1 models. In this production, Broadway Limited will offer two detail arrangements of the ATSF E1 (pre-1946 and post-war), and they are offering three ATSF paint schemes: a 1940 version with the as-delivered red-orange color in place of the traditional red, a pre-1946 version with the traditional red, and a post-war version. BLI is also offering models of the ATSF E1s painted for the B&O Railroad and a single unit painted as GM&O #100A.

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.

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
• All Wheel Electrical Pick-up
• ABS 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, Horn, Bell, Wipers, and Etched Metal Grills
• Prototypical Light Operation
• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the EMD E1 Diesel Locomotive
• Metal Kadee-compatible Couplers (2)
• Will Operate on Code 70, Code 83, and Code 100 Rail
• Minimum Operating Radius: 18 inches
• Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features:
  • Operates in DC & 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 precise 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 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
  • Multiple 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