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The Baldwin 12-8-1500/2 were BLW's first serious attempt at a production road diesel locomotive. Baldwin built the famous "Centipedes" between 1945-48. The carbody rode on two enormous articulated half-frames that were linked at the middled with a hinged joint. One unpowered four-wheel truck at each end guided the locomotive through curves and helped provide stability. The Centipedes were huge - 91.5' feet long for single units as operated on SAL and NdM. Semi-permanently coupled pairs, as operated on the PRR, were 183' long! Each unit contained two 1500 horsepower diesel motors, so a pair contained four motors and totaled 6000 horsepower. Centipedes were heavy, totaling 1,200,000 pounds (1.2 million) for a pair, with more than 800,000 of those pounds carried by the 16 drivers.
In 1945, the prototype A1-A2 set toured American railroads and three railroads placed orders - PRR, SAL, and NdeM. Union Pacific originally ordered two units, but never took delivery. Unfortunately, the Centipedes did not last long in service. PRR and SAL retired theirs by the early 1960's and NdeM followed in the late 60's. The Centipedes were enormous, and maybe the most unique diesel locomotive design of the era, but they could not compete with the more capable EMD locomotives.
In our 2022 production of Centipedes, we are offering models in all of the prototypical paint schemes, including the Demonstrator scheme. We are also offering two Union Pacific sets. There has been a debate over the years about which road numbers the units would have been assigned, so we have built models painted for both 1600A/1601A and also 998/999.
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Industry-leading Model Features: |
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Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4: The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level as Broadway Limited's Paragon3 Series models.
Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features:
Operates in DC & DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
Built-In extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track
Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
Switcher Mode for precise low speed control
Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
High Resolution Audio
Quillable Horn for various whistle lengths and patterns
Choice of 3 selectable Horns
Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal
Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load
Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings
**Specifications on this page subject to change.
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Effective October 1, 2025
Factory Direct Hobbies has a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after your item has shipped to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it and in its original packaging. All manuals, parts, and accessories must be included.
To start a return, visit our Returns Center. If your return is approved, we'll email you instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted and will be returned to sender.
This applies to incorrect scale, color, size, or duplicate orders:
Returns of loose track, small components, O scale items, and special-order items incur a 15% restocking fee. Return shipping is deducted whether you choose store credit or a refund.
Please inspect your order upon receipt and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have and place a new order for the replacement on our website. Please note that we cannot process manual exchanges over the phone.
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved.
Orders placed before this date follow the previous return policy.
If you have questions about a return or warranty, please contact our support team and include your order number so we can assist you quickly.
I was a bit skeptical that the Broadway Limited Baldwin Centipede would be able to negotiate the curves on the "mainline" of my HO scale layout. However, it had a chance to do just fine on 22" radius curves, which I do have on the "mainline". Therefore, I had decided to purchase one in SAL's "Citrus" paint scheme for an unbeatable price (after applying the cash accumulated via the "Rewards" program).
Surprisingly the Centipede DID negotiate the curves quite well with virtually NO derailments! I'm VERY happy that I now have a Centipede in my collection that would prove to be unique for years to come.
Perhaps one day I may purchase another Centipede, but one in SAL's freight paint scheme (dark green with yellow/red stripes). It won't be easy to find one, but with persistence and luck I can be able to get one.
Ron Wolfe
Simpsonville, SC
Excellent addition to my already way-too-many locomotives, but this double "A" combination is awesome to see and they will pull a lot of cars which makes them stand out even in a crowded engine yard.
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Recently, our suppliers have made a major policy change and are no longer accepting product returns for non-paying end customers. After much consideration, we unfortunately must also change our policies to align with the realities our suppliers have created.
As our preorder offerings have grown, we’ve found that a large percentage of preorder reservations are canceled or left unpaid without notice. We pay our suppliers for every preorder item that arrives at our warehouse, so when a customer does not pay for their item, we are left no choice but to absorb that cost. We have tried our best to cope with the effects of this change; however, after more than a year of trying, we have found we cannot continue to do so.
We understand that this is an unwelcome change, and no one wants to pay earlier than necessary. However, this is unavoidable in order for us to be able to continue to offer the wide variety of preorder options you’re used to getting from Factory Direct Hobbies. We must now ask that customers pay a 10% good-faith down payment toward the price of their item. This non-refundable good-faith payment is applied to the price of the product, and the balance (plus shipping and any applicable taxes) will be invoiced approximately 30-45 days before the item is slated to arrive at our warehouse.
We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions or would like further clarification, feel free to contact us through the gold chat bubble.
The good-faith down payment is not refundable if you choose to cancel your preorder or do not pay your invoice.
However, if a manufacturer cancels a project for which you have made a down payment, you will receive a refund for your down payment.
Yes. We know that paying ahead of time can be unnerving when delivery dates are distant, and not every project makes it to the production line. Rest assured that, in the event the manufacturer cancels your preorder project, you will be refunded your 10% down payment.
Hobbies should be fun, not stressful!
The manufacturing process involves many different moving parts, and this complexity often renders production timelines unpredictable. Therefore, some level of unpredictability in timing is inherent to preordering hobby products. Down payments are not refundable in cases of routine manufacturing, delivery, or other short-term delays.
However, we know it can be frustrating when a project gets delayed for many months. In the event a project is delayed more than 6 months beyond the delivery window originally estimated by the manufacturer, we will handle refunds of down payments on a case-by-case basis.
Friendly Reminder: Should you choose to cancel a preorder, it will no longer be reserved for you; in the event the item becomes available on our website, all customers will have equal access to purchase the item.
Nope! The policy is not retroactive: if you already made a preorder reservation before this policy update, you do not owe a down payment for that reservation. However, any future preorders you make will require the 10% good-faith down payment.
We make every effort to keep our website updated with information that reflects manufacturers' current estimated delivery schedules. To find the estimated delivery month of an item, you can visit our Preorder Section and use the filters to narrow down your selection.
However, we encourage you to directly visit the manufacturer's site for the most current delivery dates.
Approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse, we'll email your invoice to you to pay in full. At this point, you'll be able to provide your shipping address and select your preferred shipping method.
Your item will be reserved for 7 days, beginning when your invoice is sent. After 7 days, your preorder will be canceled.
Recently, our suppliers have made a major policy change and are no longer accepting product returns for non-paying end customers. We have tried our best to absorb the effects of this change; however, after more than a year of trying, we have found we cannot continue to do so. After much consideration, we unfortunately must also change our policies to align with the realities our suppliers have created.
As a result, we must now ask that customers pay in full prior to the supplier finalizing shipment to FDH, about 30-45 days ahead of product arrival. This gives us the time we need to cancel with our suppliers any unpaid orders prior to shipment.
We understand that this is an unwelcome change and no one wants to pay earlier than necessary. However, this is unavoidable in order for us to be able to continue to offer the wide variety of preorder options you’re used to getting from Factory Direct Hobbies.
One silver lining is that this change will result in preorder items getting to your door even faster, as all payment processing will be well out of the way and the usual several day wait after product has arrived will be eliminated. We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions or would like further clarification, feel free to contact us through the gold chat bubble.
Manufacturing schedules can sometimes be unpredictable. In the event your preorder item does not arrive at our warehouse within 60 days of your invoice payment, then you will have the option to cancel your preorder and receive a refund OR you may elect to continue waiting for the item.
Friendly Reminder: Should you choose to cancel a preorder, it will no longer be reserved for you; in the event the item becomes available on our website, all customers will have equal access to purchase the item.
We know life happens, and missing out on a great item can be a drag!
We're here to help; just contact us via the gold chat bubble and we'll do all we can to work with you!
If you have an account with factorydirecthobbies.com, you can view all your preorders, as well as your active orders. Login to your account, and select the “My orders” option. All your preorders and active orders will be listed along with the current status of each order. If you have further questions about your order, please feel free to reach out to us through the gold chat bubble.
Although we try to keep our preorder arrival estimates as accurate as possible, we encourage you to visit each manufacturer’s website to find the most up-to-date delivery information.
For instance, with Athearn and Walthers, you can enter the part number into their websites and navigate to the item. Most of the time, the delivery date will be listed there. Broadway Limited has a published delivery schedule, as does Rapido.
Yes. Rewards can be used on both your 10% good-faith down payment and on the balance of your preorder at invoicing time.
Yes! Preorders are awarded reward dollars at the same 5% rate. You'll receive your reward within several days of paying the balance of your preorder invoice.
If we still haven't answered your question, please click the gold messaging bubble in the bottom right of our site, and we'll help in any way we can!
I didn't want the primed for grime but apparently that's what I ordered. I'm disappointed the lettering is all faded.
The bridge is perfect for crossing rivers, highways and other obstructions.
I am using this model as show-model in an vitrine.
The engine ran perfectly on its first run.
This little switch engine looks great, runs great and has great sound.
I build only one of the two included for a small diorama at my model railroad club. I actually found the two outhouses built and lettered per the instructions on the cub's layout. I was kinda surprised! Mine went together real easy but I decided to carve a half moon in the door instead of using the decals.
Adding interior lighting to passenger cars really makes your layout "pop", especially when running your trains under simulated night time scenarios!
Simple small kit but with light weathering really adds an extra dimension to a scene
Simple kit but with a bit of light weathering add a nice level of detail to a layout
The car arrived on time and in good shape. No issues. Nicely detailed.
