Broadway Limited Imports HO scale T-1 4-8-4 steam locomotive

You’ve probably seen an HO scale model of a T-1 class before. Precision Craft Models released one that we reviewed in the April 2006 Model Railroader. Now Broadway Limited Imports has released this version equipped with its Paragon2 Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder, and the upgraded T-1 is definitely worth a look (and listen) for any fan of late steam-era power.

Reading Co. built its 30 T-1 class Northerns in 1945 and 1946 for fast freight assignments. As diesels gained prominence in the 1950s, the Reading used these 4-8-4s for coal drags and pusher service. The T-1s were retired from mainline freight service by 1960.

Some T-1s worked beyond the steam era hauling excursion trains. These included no. 2101, which was one of three locomotives that led the American Freedom Train in 1975 and 1976. That T-1 later led the Chessie Steam Special to celebrate the Baltimore & Ohio Ry.’s 150th anniversary.

The model. The Paragon2 T-1 is visually identical to the Precision Craft Models version. The dimensions of the model are within scale inches of a diagram in Steam Locomotives of the Reading and P&R  Railroads (Greenberg Publishing).

The boiler, cab, and tender are plastic with many separately applied parts. The color separation between the stripes is well defined. The driver axle ends and chemically darkened pilot wheels would look better if they were painted.

The engine and tender have die-cast metal frames. The motor is connected via a gearbox to the third driver axle. The siderods transfer power to the other drivers. The fourth drivers have rubber traction tires.

A cam-action variable drawbar connects the tender to the locomotive. This drawbar lets the locomotive negotiate tight curves, yet pulls the tender closer to the locomotive on straight track.

A six-pin wiring harness connects the DCC decoder in the tender to the electronics in the locomotive. There are two downward-facing speakers in the tender.

DC operation. I tested the model on DC using a Model Rectifier Corp. Tech 4 power pack. The manufacturer also recommends using its DCMaster analog controller (sold separately for $39.99). This product lets you trigger some sound effects, including the whistle and bell. You can also use the DCMaster to program configuration variables (CVs) without a DCC system.

You can run the T-1 on a DC layout using only a power pack. However, the sounds are limited to random effects, such as the air pump. The exhaust sounds and puffing smoke are synchronized to the motion of the drivers.

In DC the locomotive sounds and lights came on at 7 volts, but the T-1 didn’t start moving until I advanced the power pack to 8 volts. I improved the decoder’s control range in DC by programming the analog starting voltage (CV252) to a value of 70 and the analog sound startup voltage (CV131) to a value of 5. After making these adjustments, the sounds came on at 6 volts and the locomotive started moving at 6.2 volts.

Other CVs let you adjust the volume level of individual sounds and the output of the smoke unit. A full list of CVs is included in the operator’s manual. A special section in the manual highlights the most useful CVs for DC operation.

DCC operation. I also ran the T-1 with an NCE Corp. Powercab DCC system. Out of the box the locomotive accelerated smoothly to a top speed of 70 scale mph, which is close to the prototype’s maximum speed of 65 mph. When I set the decoder to 128 speed steps, the locomotive crept along at less than 1 scale mph in speed step 1.

The Paragon2 decoder has many programming options. You can adjust the start, mid-range, and top voltages (CVs 2, 6, and 5) or you can set up your own custom speed table using CVs 67 through 94. The decoder also features back-electromotive-force control and adjustable forward and reverse trim. You can download a free technical manual at www.broadway-limited.com.

The many user-triggered functions include the whistle, bell, stoker engine, and a water stop sequence. If you don’t like the default whistle, there are two other distinct whistle sounds that can be selected using CV224.

An impressive amount of white smoke puffs out of the model’s smokestack. There’s a smoke on/off switch inside the smokebox door.

You can record locomotive operations and sound, then play them back. This lets the model run on auto-pilot while you control another locomotive.

With its upgraded electronics, new sounds, and puffing smoke, this HO scale T-1 class 4-8-4 is even better the second time around.

Price: $349.99

Manufacturer
Broadway Limited Imports
9 E. Tower Circle
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.broadway-limited.com

Road names: Chessie Steam Special no. 2101, Delaware & Hudson, Reading Co. in service (nos. 2137 and 2138), Reading Co. American Freedom Train, Reading Co. Iron Horse Ramble Excursion (nos. 2100, 2102, and 2124), Reading Co. Ferroequus no. 2100. A painted and unlettered version is also available.

Era: 1945 to today

Features

• Dual-mode Digital Command Control sound decoder
• Electrical pickup on six drivers and eight tender wheels
• Engine and tender weight: 2 pounds 1 ounce; engine alone: 1 pound 6 ounces
• Five-pole skew-wound motor with brass flywheel
• Magnetic knuckle couplers at correct height
• Minimum radius: 18″
• Operating smoke unit
• RP-25 contour wheels in gauge