direct current (DC) layouts.
The PRR’s Juniata Shops built the first I1s, no. 790, in 1916 and built 122 more Decapods in 1918 and 1919. Another 475 engines were built by Baldwin in 1922 and 1923. In the 1930s, most of them were rebuilt into improved class I1sa engines. Weighing in at 386,100 pounds, Pennsy’s Decapods had huge boilers and siderods that soon earned them the nickname “Hippos.” These hard-riding
engines weren’t built for speed, but their pulling power was well known.
As before, only the middle driver set is blind?-?the PRR prototype had flanges only on the end drivers. However, the extra flanges and sideplay of the inner drivers helps the model run on curves as sharp as 18″ radius. The engine looks better running on a gentler curve.
The model has an excellent plastic boiler and tender body and both include numerous separately applied details to give the locomotive either its original or modernized appearance. Our sample has a short, class 90-F-82 tender with its upper coal bunker sides properly bent inward a few degrees. A couple of versions have the huge class 210-F-82B tender with 8-wheel trucks.
A can motor with a flywheel drives the third pair of drivers and cast metal rods transfer the motion to the remaining drivers. The rear set of drivers has traction tires to improve pulling power. The metal boiler weight and a die-cast frame provide heft for traction.
Revised electronics. The model has a smoke unit and features BLI’s Paragon2 sound and control system installed in the tender along with a pair of speakers. It offers DC and DCC operation with excellent low speed back-electro-motive-force motor control. The BLI DC Master control module (available separately) operates user-triggered sounds on DC.
The Paragon2 system offers a long list of interesting DCC sound features that include an accurate-sounding PRR “banshee” whistle. Alternate whistles and bells are also available, and their
intervals are adjustable.
The model records and plays back repeated sounds, such as multiple whistle signals, as well as movements. With a single command you can have the I1sa run through a sequence while you control another locomotive.
Numerous user-mappable key functions control ambient sounds, including assorted crew radio communications. Some sound effects may be triggered using function keys, including a standard grade crossing whistle signal and appropriate whistle signals for starting and reverse movements. The Decapod’s chuffing intensity automatically varies with the load or can be manually adjusted using function keys.
The volume of each sound effect is individually adjustable, and there’s an easy reset button for a quick return to the original factory default settings. The model’s golden-white LED headlight and backup light are controlled by function keys. A 26-page instruction manual explains all of the optional features and their adjustment procedures.
The model comes with metal Kadee-compatible magnetic knuckle couplers. A scale-size coupler is mounted on the pilot and a regular coupler is used on the tender.
Like its predecessor, this new BLI run of Pennsy’s standard freight locomotive is a superb model. The new Paragon2 sound system makes it easier to use the proper whistle and bell sounds during operating sessions. With its great low-speed control, this powerful Decapod will fit right into any Pennsy layout representing the steam era
Price: $399.99 with BLI dual mode sound decoder
Manufacturer:
Broadway Limited Imports, LLC
9 East Tower Circle
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.broadway-limited.com
Versions offered (all factory painted for the Pennsylvania RR) Five versions with the original class 90-F-82 short tender, and two with the class 210-F-82A eight-axle long-haul tender.
Era: 1920s to 1950s
Features:
13 ounces
