Thanks, James. Another wonderful and informative review. I am just getting back into the hobby after some 45 years and just went and ordered this loco from Trainworld. I am amazed at how sophisticated and detailed HO model trains have become over the years. It is exciting to see.
I've recently been trying to expand my loco fleet with a NYC S1b Niagara and J1e Hudson to go along with my T1 Duplex, and UP Big Boy, and Bachmann Spectrum K4, but the K4 will always hold a special place and my thought is you can never have enough K4s. My hometown is located about 45 minutes away from Altoona, and where I currently live it's only a 20 minute trip. While going to Altoona, you cross over the PRR "Broadway", pass the Gallitzin Tunnels, and drive parallel to Bennington Curve. The only part not seen is Horseshoe Curve.
*A quick note for people w/ BLI locos* There is a specific way to trigger the special whistle ending by holding down the whistle button and after you release it, hit it again very quickly (just one press) and it will trigger
Another great review, James! One thing I would like to mention about Broadway Limited ... they have the BEST customer service anywhere! If anything happens to one of their Locomotives, they have a service department that is second to none! They are cordial, friendly, and extremely helpful and are enthusiastic Model Railroaders themselves! They should always get a shout-out for this! ;)
I would love to see bli have a smoke unit that would keep the fan on and lower the amperage to the element when the engines at rest. Then raise the amperage to the element and start puffing like they normal do when moving. I think that would bring the scale fidelity of their locomotives to a all new level.
Hi James, I've been watching your videos from the start. I appreciate all the work you do. And I have a request. Can you do a review of the Paragon 2 heavy pacific? Or the BLI Paragon 3 UP Big boy? Thanks! -Malachi
What a cool locomotive! It's a piece of cake getting that number plate back. Try doing Texas and Pacific 610 next time. She's a 2-10-4 that is on display in Palestine TX at the Texas State Railroad. They sell 610 in 3 variations, T&P, Southern Railway, and American Freedom Train.
The pulling power is that good. They were also very successful in real life. If only 1361 was restored we could see it run. At least we still have N&W 611.
Great review as always! May I ask what brand the gauge you used for testing the pulling power is? I'd like to get one myself as my planned layout is going to have quite the grade on it.
Such a nice looking engine. I wish they would have added a bit of echo to the whistle, it sounds like it's in a box. I also think they need to work on the chuff sounds a bit. Overall a nice engine for the money. Thanks for the review. I was hoping to hear it with RT though.
Awesome review James! 10***** Wish the bell to these was off beat, it sounds nicer on steam locomotives. Also, you have a LOT of locomotives including an SP patched @ 11:57!
What controller did you use for that loco? Was it a Bachmann EZ command, or does broadway limited have there own dcc controller, also if you are running on a Bachmann controller, did you have to convert the engine to run on it. Thanks, and great video.
Can you mod these to make the lights work? I see some of the really amazing HO builders have working classification lights, but I don't know if they build the engines them selves.
These things sold out faster than any model locomotive I've seen before. I didn't even get a chance to head over to Trainworld to even look at these. :/
I'm not sure if it was in this video or another, but you had mentioned something about not adjusting the voltage levels. I'm just curious if that is related to engine stalls, because it seems as though I've tried everything trying to get my MTH engine to run around the track without stalling/shutimg off. I've cleaned the tracks and wheels, and even added multiple connection points to the layout every three feet or so. I can't seem to find out how to solve this problem. :/
ProjectInitiative I just read your comment ,and question ,have you checked for a short ,like the draw bar coming in contact with the first tender axle ,that was one of the problems on my Broadway limited M1a ,and the center tender axles we're lifting off the outer axles of both tender trucks ,remove the center axles and see if this cure's the problem ,did my M1a ,I cut the axle point off and just popped them back in ( the brake shoes on each side of the wheels keep the center axles right in place
I have alot of Broadway Limited, the best that they ever did is their Pennsy J1 2-10-4 a pulling beast ,a single J1 handle my 60 car coal train up my horse shoe curve ,the curve is 9 ft wide - inside track - by 20 long , 1.85 % climb , a single T-1 handles my 14 car Broadway Limited also, I was not impressed with the pull of Broadway's I-1sa so I order another traction axle and put in the spot of # 2 driver ,now it's got more pull than the J-1
You are counting 5 chuffs per revolution. Is this due to the fact that there is a 3rd cylinder inside the frame on an axle (on the 1:1 scale of course) ?
Thanks, James. Another wonderful and informative review. I am just getting back into the hobby after some 45 years and just went and ordered this loco from Trainworld. I am amazed at how sophisticated and detailed HO model trains have become over the years. It is exciting to see.
I've recently been trying to expand my loco fleet with a NYC S1b Niagara and J1e Hudson to go along with my T1 Duplex, and UP Big Boy, and Bachmann Spectrum K4, but the K4 will always hold a special place and my thought is you can never have enough K4s. My hometown is located about 45 minutes away from Altoona, and where I currently live it's only a 20 minute trip. While going to Altoona, you cross over the PRR "Broadway", pass the Gallitzin Tunnels, and drive parallel to Bennington Curve. The only part not seen is Horseshoe Curve.
*A quick note for people w/ BLI locos* There is a specific way to trigger the special whistle ending by holding down the whistle button and after you release it, hit it again very quickly (just one press) and it will trigger
Another great review, James! One thing I would like to mention about Broadway Limited ... they have the BEST customer service anywhere! If anything happens to one of their Locomotives, they have a service department that is second to none! They are cordial, friendly, and extremely helpful and are enthusiastic Model Railroaders themselves! They should always get a shout-out for this! ;)
Thanks James! I love the K4.. Might have to order this... Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance 🚂👍
I would love to see bli have a smoke unit that would keep the fan on and lower the amperage to the element when the engines at rest. Then raise the amperage to the element and start puffing like they normal do when moving. I think that would bring the scale fidelity of their locomotives to a all new level.
Check the manual. They have several CVs that govern how the smoke element and fan operate.
You are getting a lot better at steam locomotive reviews James... And this is a nice engine
it has a tiny bit of smoke fluid installed, but no fluid pack
Hi James, I've been watching your videos from the start. I appreciate all the work you do. And I have a request. Can you do a review of the Paragon 2 heavy pacific? Or the BLI Paragon 3 UP Big boy? Thanks! -Malachi
I had the same thing happen with the y6b with the front logo coming off, easy fix by super gluing it back on.
Great video. I would love to see a video of just some train run bys on the layout! That would be cool
The small rod on the crosshead is bent backwards on the firemans side... That may be why its hesitant at slow speeds...
What a cool locomotive! It's a piece of cake getting that number plate back. Try doing Texas and Pacific 610 next time. She's a 2-10-4 that is on display in Palestine TX at the Texas State Railroad. They sell 610 in 3 variations, T&P, Southern Railway, and American Freedom Train.
The pulling power is that good. They were also very successful in real life. If only 1361 was restored we could see it run. At least we still have N&W 611.
Great review as always! May I ask what brand the gauge you used for testing the pulling power is? I'd like to get one myself as my planned layout is going to have quite the grade on it.
Do they plan on bringing these back I would love to get one
Such a nice looking engine. I wish they would have added a bit of echo to the whistle, it sounds like it's in a box. I also think they need to work on the chuff sounds a bit. Overall a nice engine for the money. Thanks for the review. I was hoping to hear it with RT though.
Awesome review James! 10***** Wish the bell to these was off beat, it sounds nicer on steam locomotives. Also, you have a LOT of locomotives including an SP patched @ 11:57!
Another super review James . Is The K4 available unlettered ?
3:36 non operating marker lights. Is that true of all Paragon 3?
What controller did you use for that loco? Was it a Bachmann EZ command, or does broadway limited have there own dcc controller, also if you are running on a Bachmann controller, did you have to convert the engine to run on it. Thanks, and great video.
love this review! can't wait for the gp40 bachmann!
James my good man, I really enjoy your videos, I do have one question how many MTH locos do you own?
are you planning to get Pennsylvania Railroad 1361? has Broadway limited made a model of that engine yet?
The K4 really looks like the LMS Black 5 in a way.
Do you happen to know when the Commodore Vanderbilt will be released???
My k4 is a old Bachmann spectrum that I got from a train show for $80
I see the union link is out of place :P as well as the combination lever
How many locomotives do you have
Confused. You said something about not having smoke because of some import issue, but it obviously has smoke. What was that about the import issue?
Hey James I custom built an ho Pennsylvania 4-6-4 Hudson bachmann spectrum
Can you mod these to make the lights work? I see some of the really amazing HO builders have working classification lights, but I don't know if they build the engines them selves.
is the rear light operational? it isn't on mine.
beautiful
These things sold out faster than any model locomotive I've seen before. I didn't even get a chance to head over to Trainworld to even look at these. :/
I'm not sure if it was in this video or another, but you had mentioned something about not adjusting the voltage levels. I'm just curious if that is related to engine stalls, because it seems as though I've tried everything trying to get my MTH engine to run around the track without stalling/shutimg off. I've cleaned the tracks and wheels, and even added multiple connection points to the layout every three feet or so. I can't seem to find out how to solve this problem. :/
ProjectInitiative I just read your comment ,and question ,have you checked for a short ,like the draw bar coming in contact with the first tender axle ,that was one of the problems on my Broadway limited M1a ,and the center tender axles we're lifting off the outer axles of both tender trucks ,remove the center axles and see if this cure's the problem ,did my M1a ,I cut the axle point off and just popped them back in ( the brake shoes on each side of the wheels keep the center axles right in place
where's is the rolling thunder sounds I was hoping to hear it
Lets see it pull a string of 40+ cars!
what scale is this?
HO
I have alot of Broadway Limited, the best that they ever did is their Pennsy J1 2-10-4 a pulling beast ,a single J1 handle my 60 car coal train up my horse shoe curve ,the curve is 9 ft wide - inside track - by 20 long , 1.85 % climb , a single T-1 handles my 14 car Broadway Limited also, I was not impressed with the pull of Broadway's I-1sa so I order another traction axle and put in the spot of # 2 driver ,now it's got more pull than the J-1
They Are always sold out before i can buy one !
Do a new layout tour
You are counting 5 chuffs per revolution. Is this due to the fact that there is a 3rd cylinder inside the frame on an axle (on the 1:1 scale of course) ?
Pennsy K4s only have two cylinders.
got 1,000 dollars from a train show at van wert ohio you should visit it
Is anyone else pissed of at steam town for dismantling the 1361
Why in heck do all demos of new HO engines, spend at least 1 1/2 minuets how to unpack engine?
James I like your videos, but you need to learn steam locomotive parts so your viewers can know what you are showing.
which parts are you concerned with, I named several parts including the pilot, smokestack, smoke box door, firebox, boiler, domes, drivers, etc.
I don't get it. What on earth did he miss? I thought he covered lots of stuff.
Paul Hebert you don't tell him how to do his videos if you don't want to watch him then no click on to him so mind your own business
xD the union link
Bo