Description
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Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce our new models of the Boston & Maine T1a and T1b 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotives. In the 1920's, in stiff competition with the Boston & Albany, the B&M was looking for better motive power to handle the stiff grades across the hills of Massachusetts. In 1925, the Lima 2-8-4 demonstrator A-1 completed test service on the B&A, and the Boston & Maine chose to try her as well. They received their initial order of 20 locomotives in 1928, and an additional five locomotives (Class T1b) in 1929. All 25 locomotives were equipped with a notable Coffin feedwater heater extending forward from the smokebox, and trailing trucks with boosters. The most noticeable difference between the T1a and T1b locomotives is the shape and size of the large sand dome in the center of the boiler, and we have also modeled several less visible differences in conduit and piping. Another major difference is that the T1a's ran with a 4-wheel tender for much of their lives, whereas the T1b's ran with a 6-wheel tender from the beginning. Our models of the T1a have a 4-wheel tender, our models of the T1b have a 6-wheel tender. In our first production, we are offering models of four fully decorated T1a's and two decorated T1b's, along with an unlettered model of each. Each of the models will come with a disk main driver and Baker valve gear. Our models have die cast locomotive and tender bodies for maximum weight and tractive effort. In addition to the Paragon4 versions, several of the models are available in our Stealth Series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always illuminated with track power. Additionally, some lighting may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs. See below for additional model features. Â
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