This upgraded Reading T-1 4-8-4 steam locomotive from Broadway Limited Imports includes the firm’s new Paragon2 Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. The HO scale model also includes puffing smoke. Watch us run the locomotive on the Model Railroader club layout.
Video: Broadway Limited Imports Paragon2 T-1 4-8-4
By Angela Cotey | October 22, 2010
| Last updated on November 3, 2020
Watch this Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped HO scale steam locomotive in action
Locomotive looks just like the real deal, ordering one soon. As a young teen I actually got to ride in the cab of this steam locomotive to downtown when the excursion was in Pittsburgh PA. Its was parked at the B&O rail yard in Glenwood while in for the Excursion.
I would like to see more smoke, too. Also I am a bit old school; besides start up I would like to see a clip of it at track speed.
I have the first release – I certainly would like to get this new version! Not sure if anything has changed frame, gearing or motor wise, but my T-1 runs beautifully and has good slow speed from start up performance. I second the comment that we need the auxiliary Chessie tender.
Love the video, read the review in MRR. speed step 1 @ 1.5 mph scale, I don't find it offensive. Good review and good looks.
This 4-8-4 has good sounds. I remember hearing the steam sounds on the C&NW in Clinton,IA when I was growing up.
Everything looks very smart…agree with prior comments about viewing loco's from a standing start!
looks better and sounds great but i dont see any smoke best
Thanks for the review. This seems to be a good model however, I would like to see locos start and run at low speed. This is where the quality and smoothness of the mechanism real shows.
Thanks again, I enjoy seeing/reading the MR reveiws.
Looks and sounds great, have to give kudos to the MR crew you guys sure know your stuff when it comes to doing scenery fantastic job
It has good sound but the sound seems a little out of sync wit the motion of the drivers. Nice looking locomotive.
This beautifull Digital Command Control (DCC) sound equipped HO scale steam locomotive in action is awsome. Is it equipped and complete with passenger cars. I'm waiting for my November issue magazine to get the details.
Cheers and well done
Beautiful engine and excellent sounds, but I agree with Richard's comment about not seeing the engine start up from a standstill. I'm not just picking on this engine as almost every engine that has been reviewed here by the MR staff has been shown already moving or just sitting idling and showing off the sound effects. This does not acurately show the slow speed startup performance and makes one wonder why it's not shown.
The sound is big improvement from their first release of the Reading T-1s. I wish BLI would offer the auxiliary tender for the Chessie Steam Special.
Best sound reproduction of any of the videos I have watched. Good to see you guys are reacting to viewer comments, I don't know what's all involved to obtain good sound, but I think you've found it. Good job.
I acquired the D&H #302 Anniv. Eng. from this production run. I have a number of BLI other engines (steam & diesel) and have been satisfied with them, but this is one that I had to have. For those who are D&H fans a note of caution! This version does 'not' contain neither the 'bug eye' classification lights nor the recessed headlight that make it unique. The unit has smoke capability right out of the box, but the documentation does not indicate how many 'drops' of smoke fluid to add when needed, but does 'warn' that running the engine without adding fluid may damage the unit. There is however a switch within the engine that can be used to turn the smoke unit off to avoid thus issue. Finally the decoder has 28 function capability but my MRC PRODIGY Advance DCC has only 12 function ability. In order to operate all 28 functions the controlers and power pak have to be returned to MRC for upgrades which will cost over $100.00 + S&H. I must really like this engine as this is the 5th version of the RDG T-1 that I've purchased.
Great engine for the price with a throatier more robust sound than the previous run. Good puller too. I can only hope BLI would come out some day with the RDG I-10sa, the powerful consolidation from which the T-1's were built.
Good job Dana! Thanks to your sound man that I could hear everything just fine. By reading other comments, some people are never satisfied. And that's okay. I liked it anyway!
My loco so far hasbeen is a great running locomotive. I think it seems a great value for the money.
My only suggestion is that in the future these & similar locos be factory set to not burn the "oil" for the smoke unit. My understanding is that if the smoke unit is not used, & the switch for the smoke unit is not turned off, the loco could overheat. I found the switch for the smoke unit is behind the smoke box.
BLI models are always great performers. I have several BLI engines and all of them are awesome for the money and perform extremely well. This video presentation is short and to the point, covering many important features. I would like to see the engine perform from stop to mid speed so folks can see the smooth performance of these engines. BLI offers the most versitile product lines of any manufacturer in my opinion. Their engines are all the same quality but offer different features and pricing.
It is a beautiful engine But I had to settle for the American freedom train because the Chessie was sold out. I road behind the Chessie from Bar yard to Garret In. Not to say I also model Chessie C&O.
Earlier this week I pre-ordered BLI's USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 with Paragon 2 sound/DCC. I can't wait until it arrives. I already have their 2006 models of the EMD F7A & B units with Quantum Sound/DCC. I have been very happy with F7's and look forward to adding a steam locomotive to my layout, especially with the improved sound. Excellent video and your sound has improved immensely, too. You must being using an off-camera mike. Thanks.
This is one great engine, strong on grades, great looker, and it comes with 3 different whistles.
Agreed there sounds like one too many strokes but the sound is great. Unfortunately, that whistle is prototypical but I never saw the Chessie Steam Train so I can't comment
Is it just me, but at slow speed, doesn't the exhaust sound like an articulated??
Looks good but the whistle is not a Reading T-1 freight whistle or the one used on the Chessie Steam Specials. I can't figure why manufacturers can't use the right whistles on models.