Standard power. In the early 20th century, the PRR developed a large stable of standardized motive power. The 2-10-0 I1s Decapod was one of five types that also included the E6 4-4-2 Atlantic, K4 4-6-2 Pacific, L1 2-8-2 Mikado, and the M1 4-8-2 Mountain. Once the PRR had a design it liked, the company built or bought its locomotives by the hundreds, often over an extended period of time.
The first I1s Decapod came along just before World War I. (The “s” designated that the locomotives were superheater equipped.) The company’s Juniata Shop built 122 Decapods in 1918 and 1919. They were followed by orders for 475 more built by Baldwin in 1922 and 1923. In the 1930s, the majority were rebuilt for improved tractive effort to become class I1sa engines.
The Pennsy’s Decapods were among the largest of their type, weighing in at 386,100 pounds. With their 96,000-pound tractive effort, each I1sa was the equivalent of two class H8 2-8-0s on heavy drags. Their huge boilers and massive siderods soon earned the locomotives the nickname “Hippos.”
These hard-riding engines weren’t built for speed, but the pulling power of double- or triple-headed “Hippos” was well known.
Only the middle driver set is blind. This is contrary to the PRR prototype, which had flanges only on the end drivers. However, the flanges and sideplay in the inner drivers keeps the model’s wheels on the rails so it can operate on curves as sharp as an amazing 18″ radius. Of course, the model looks far more realistic on wider radius curves.
A pair of exploded isometric drawings are included and show how the engine and tender are assembled. The boiler is attached to the frame with a single screw hidden under the cylinders and two smaller screws beneath the cab.
The model follows the established design Broadway Limited used on its earlier PRR steam locomotives. It has a plastic boiler and tender body and both have numerous separately-applied details. The long class 210-F-82B tender and modernized front end details mark our sample as a late version. Other earlier versions are also offered as is the original small class 90-F-82 tender.
A can motor with a flywheel drives the third pair of drivers through a worm and worm gear. Cast metal rods transfer the motion to the remaining drivers. The cast-metal boiler weight and metal frame provide heft for traction.
Electronics. A QSI Quantum control and sound system is hidden in the tender. This system operates on conventional DC and on Digital Command Control (DCC) systems. The sound system’s manual volume control is under the tender water hatch on the fireman’s side, and the twin downward-facing speakers are mounted on the die-cast metal tender frame.
Our sample locomotive and tender were smoothly painted in PRR’s Dark Locomotive Green Enamel, which appears almost black. The gold lettering is sharp and legible. The tender deck is painted PRR’s Freight Car Color, and the locomotive’s smokebox and firebox are a dark graphite color. The running gear is painted black, and the rods and wheel treads are chemically blackened metal.
A McHenry scale magnetic knuckle coupler is mounted on the pilot, and there’s a Kadee no. 5 coupler on the tender. Both are mounted at the proper height.
This model’s QSI dual-mode control system offers numerous programming adjustments that will change its operating characteristics and sounds. A 53-page instruction manual and two addenda explain these adjustments in detail.
If you want to return to the factory settings, there’s a reset jumper wire on the right side of the circuit board. To get into the tender, use a small screwdriver to gently pry the tender shell off the frame. With the power off, disconnect the black jumper wire, apply power for at least 10 seconds, and the system will reset and provide an audio confirmation. Then plug in the jumper and it’s ready to go.
Whichever tender is used, this well-done Decapod will fit right into any layout representing the Pennsy’s steam-to-diesel transition era. Some of these rugged freight haulers served until the end of PRR steam in 1957.
Price: $399.99 with QSI dualmode sound decoder; $299.99 DC only
Manufacturer
Broadway Limited Imports, LLC & Precision Craft Model, Inc.
4 Signal Avenue
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.broadway0limited.com
Versions Offered (all PRR)
-PRRI1sa, 2-10-0 Decapods are offered in six versions with the class 210-F-82A eight-axle large tender, modern headlight, and with or without the QSI Quantom dual mode sound decoder.
-PRRI1sa, 2-10-0 Decapods are also made in a dozen versions that include the original class 90-F-82 short tender, modern or original headlight, and with or without the QSI Quantom dual mode decoder and sound system.
Dual-mode DCC sound decoder
Cab interior with backhead
Constant directional headlight and backup light
Drawbar pull: 4.9 ounces (with traction tires)
Engine and tender weight: 25 ounces, engine alone is 15 ounces
Five-pole can motor with turned brass flywheel
Length with long tender, 14¼”
Lighted number boards
Magnetic knuckle couplers (at correct height)
Minimum radius: 18″
RP-25 contour wheels (in gauge)
I have the new (Jan. 2010 release) l1sa on order with the BLI sound system and decoder. My other BLI engines run and sound great! I have experienced a few small part breakage or bent issues from shipping with BLI locomotives in general but they are, overall a great value. The drive trains seem rugged and reliable with the latest decoder & sound features available. My Y6b is outstanding with its cast metal boiler so I have ordered another one at inventory reduction sale. The BLI Paragon l1sa will be a great model with exciting features and long running mechanism for hours of enjoyment . I will be back!
BLI has offered HO/PRR modelers a smooth running locomotive that looks and sounds the part. I have a coast to cost tender on mine and when its pulling a 60 car coal drag [another I1sa on the rear shoving] through my 24ft long s-curve I stop, back up, and do it again! Along with the PCM Y6b and Class A, I think BLI has made arguably three of the best running/looking locomotives in the past 20 years. But i'm biased towards Northeast/Appalachian coal roads. Ha-ha. I operate regularly on a large private layout and the other five BLI I1sa's on this quasi-Pennsy RR run just as well. Only one hiccup to date amongst all the hippos; one of the tethers has developed a short, no big deal as BLI has alway made good on sending parts for replacement free of charge. Keep it up BLI. If you build it, they will come.
I want one!
Have Most Of Broadway Limited Locomotives And All Are Great Runners, Fine Products For The Money.
I want one too!!!!!!!!!!
I have the short tender version, with sound. It is a truly fine looking, running and sounding loco, out of the box.
I did have one problem with the wire harness between the tender and loco. It turned on the sound, but the loco would not move. Later, after removing and replugging the harness to the loco, it moved, but the headlight blinked. This is a common problem with the long tenders, but I had it also. It is solved by calling PCM for a replacement harness, removing the tender shell, and replacing the harness by unplugging it at both ends.
A second run of models is on the way for summer delivery, and will use PCM/BLI's own sound system, in lieu of the Quantum system.
Ever since I saw one of these on a siding in a nearby town, i've
wanted one. Now I can finally have one. Problem is, short version
or long version, can't make up my mind. Maybe one of each,
Hmmmmmm!
Fantastic Steam Engine!!!!!!!
I purchased four of the I1sa's with sound, two short tenders with both versions of headlights and two with long haul tenders. They all run smooth and sound fantastic. I am proud to own such fine steam locomotives.
I have the short tender no sound version and it is the smoothest slowest running steam engine I've ever owned. I hope they make a second run of these fine engines as I ordered two and only recieved one. I would buy two more if I could fine them.
Video was very impressive. Appearance of locomotive, details and sound are top notch and probably have Pennsy modelers
frothing at the mouth. My compliments to the manufacturer for
providing quality and realistic equipment to the model rail-roading community.
Although I reside in California via my former employer, I was
born and raised in North Philadelphia nearby the Pennsy main-
line between Baltimore-Philly-NewYork and probably observed
these Hippo's on freight drags. Viewing the video was a trip down memory lane. That is what model railroading is all about.
Kudos to Model Railroader and the manufacturer.
Perhaps you may convert me to a Pennsy Model Railroader
again to relive my experiences as a youth.
Best wishes to all for a Happy and prosperous New Year for
Model Railroader and all the manufacturers who sustain our
hobby.
Ed Tinsley
Another Super Steam Locomotive to add to a layout! I got one. When I opened up the box I could not believe my eyes! What detailing, they sure did their homework on this one! Now to complete my track work on my layout. Full steam ahead! For this sweetie!
Model RR Keep up the Great work!
Butch Mielke
I want one too but that's a car payment