First Look Gallery: Broadway Limited Imports N scale SD70ACe Union Pacific no 4141

What better way to celebrate the festivities around the Fourth of July then by taking a look at a truly presidential locomotive? Members of the Model Railroader staff had a chance to take a close look at the new N scale Electro-Motive Diesel from Broadway Limited Imports. This new Paragon3 series model is decorated for Union Pacific no. 4141, which as on the prototype received a special paint scheme that celebrates George H.W. Bush the 41st president of the United States. Note that this model was a non-operating pre-production sample.

Electro-Motive Division (later Electro-Motive Diesel) delivered SD70ACes to 13 railroads, including 518 to the Union Pacific. The locomotives featured newly designed prime movers that complied with strict new Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

In 2005 SD70Ace UP no. 4141 was unveiled at the George Bush presidential library before entering revenue service. This locomotive also participated in President Bush’s funeral train in 2018.

The dimensions and details of the model match prototype drawings in the November 2004 issue of Model Railroader magazine. The special paint scheme is smoothly applied with sharp color separation and clearly printed graphics. Lettering and graphics placement all match prototype photos, including the presidential seal on the sides of the short hood and the American flag on the rear sides of the long hood.

This preproduction sample was non-running, but according to BLI, the production release will include the latest Paragon3 dual-mode decoder for realistic sounds on Digital Command Control (DCC) and direct-current (DC) layouts. It will also be equipped with a Rolling Thunder receiver that works with the firm’s Rolling Thunder Subwoofer system (See my review under related articles below).

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the N scale UP no. 4141 is $249.99. For more information, visit www.broadway-limited.com. Enjoy the gallery!