The Paragon2 J1E Hudson 4-6-4 features an all-new Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder and realistic synchronized smoke. Watch us run the model as it leads a New York Central passenger train.
Video: Broadway Limited Imports Paragon2 HO J1E Hudson
By Angela Cotey | August 26, 2009
| Last updated on November 3, 2020
Watch this DCC sound and smoke equipped steam locomotive model in action on our train layout
If this engine bears the slightest resemblance to any Canadian prototype, Merry Christmas to me!
i sure wish they had or will have a UP Challenger and it runs like the Paragon2 Hudson. I have 3 Paragon2 diesels that just blow my mind at how well they perform and the sound. I'm waiting for more models to follow,like a SD40-2 would be really nice. also put the wings and U.S.flag, building America paint scheme on the GE6000.
Looks like a fine model, good detail and sound, but I think the smoke unit adds nothing. It is far from realistic, and in my opinion serves to make the model look toy-like. Luckily it can be rendered inoperable. Otherwise, I have no complaints.
James, I couldn't agree with you more.
BLI are excellent models and I have a few. They are built to a very high standard with great quality and great detail. BLI has done a great service to model railroading by lifting the standards even higher. However, smoke seems to be a little toy like. I wonder what the attraction of smoke is. The real thing belched out great plumes of smoke when labouring and the most impressive part of a steam loco is white steam bellowing out in force underneath. I love sound, but smoke is just not right. (Yet!)
I received it with my grab bag I bought. That sucker has enough LEAD in the front end to bend the lead drive axle.
Hi David,
The passenger cars belong to Model Railroader's publisher, Terry Thompson. The coaches are Branchline kits that he built and the RPO and baggage cars are from Walthers.
Dana Kawala
Associate editor
Very impressive. This model looks and sounds awesome!
Yes, a very respectable model, excellent detail and a smooth mechanism. My one question is; does the smoke really come out of the stack in puffs? All the pictures I have seen, the smoke is pouring out in an almost solid column. Anyway, I am happy that I have one of these top quality loco's.
The Paragon2 HO J1E Hudson is a very impressive engine. It certainly has the sights and sounds of a real thing.
Very nice! Just as nice as my brass, wow!
pretty
Yes, I would say that the model is quite impressive. The smoke does look great at slow speeds. I can say this for I just bought one 4 day's ago. And that's not knowing that the model was going to be in product reviews of Model Railroader. This is a very nice nice model of a J1e.
The sound sounds like its coming from inside an oatmeal box.
Very impressive. BLI/Paragon keep doing fantastic things. I am still on the fence about the smoke unit though. It is nice that it is synchronized, but I only wish they could come up with a safe smoke chemical that created a slightly thicker output. We cannot expect thick grey or white billows, but a little more would be neat.
I am a devout Pennsy modeler, but I may have to get the whole consist to display next to my Broadway Limited-just like the old days out of Chicago!
I gotta get one of those. Where do I find out how to get the passenger cars it is pulling?
i have one and it is really a wonderful unit and so life like with sound and smoke and all the details, almost makes you feel
like you could jump inside the cab and operate the throttle
i can't say that about all of my engines
Cool that chiff sounds like the Nickel Plate Railroad 765 and on 2nd video MTH New York Central Hudson sounds i little different then the BLI.
Beautiful! great to watch and listen to.
At this point in time I don't believe that they have got the smoke correct. The majority of real steamers have a very heavy plume of smoke, and one only get the white smoke when all factors are operating in unison, usually at high speed on flat level track.
The makers of smoke units have not yet been able to deliver a heavy black smoke usually associated with heavy loads and they definitely haven't got the smell right. The same applied to diesels as well e.g. Alco units are the closest to a steamer as one could get. New South Wales Aust. still has few Alco's in preservation and they do a good job of imitating a steam loco.
When this are fixed I may then install smoke units.
Turns out I found myself buying one of these got it on sale for $200 @ factory direct trains should be here soon willpost a review once it arrives.
Nice model and I'm looking to purchase a unit that will chuff smoke realistically, but this doesn't quite do it. The smoke looks similar to that coming out of a fireplace. Perhaps it was just this unit that didn't perform well. Love the slow starting. I'm still impressed.
Impressive model; authentic sounding whistle.
I have two they run well and look good. If I had a complaint it would be that they need to spend a little more time on the little things like the marker lights. Don't get me wrong I love them and with a little work that will be fixed. Good job Broadway keep it up.