Broadway Limited ATSF 4-8-4 Paragon

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I was wondering if anyone could give me an opinion about the Broadway Limited 4-8-4’s in the Paragon Series. This is the discontinued line which was replace by the Paragon 2 Series. Is the Paragon a lot different (less worthy) than the Paragon 2? Were there problems with the Paragon Series?

Thanks

wdcrvr

2

Not having the latest run (Paragon 2), I can’t say whether or not the newer model is better or worse than the original. The only problem I had with the original is that the sound chip only gave 3 exhausts per driver revolution. However, BLI had a fix for that, which they supplied no charge. The only real criticism I have of the original release is the silver smokebox front. Santa Fe’s were actually painted a color they called “tarpon gray”.

Amdre

3

I do not have any of the new ones, but three of the older.

One of the units had a loose nut on the eccentric crank which eventually caused the rod to drop and bind the whole drive line. It was easy enough to fix. Back the loco up about 1". Position the rod/crank where is was supposed to be and tighten the nut.

On one of the other units the rear truck kept shorting. Couldn’t find a common pattern of when. I check the wheel gauge, how they fit in the bearings, and found nothing wrong. After I reassembled there weren’t any more issues so I must have fixed whatever it was just by taking it apart and putting it back together.

I really like the units and given the opportunity I would collect a whole fleet of them.

4

I purchased a used version of that loco[ issued several years ago now] from a forum member who fixes locos, does some minor weathering in some cases, and who installs/corrects electrical and decoder issues. I like mine very much…it runs well.

Crandell]

5

The older BLIs such as my ATSF 3754 were all in the BlueLine series with 2 decoders instead of just one,i had to add a motor decoder…some had programing issues with them but mine programed , ran and continues to run like a dream…

6

I have both. Paragon 2 sound is much better. Not a big fan of old Quantum sound decoders. The Paragon Series 4-8-4’s though, run very well. Both run well but P2 has better sound but P2’ sound is starting to be same ole same ole. They flooded the market with new steam engines but they all sound the same.

Joe C

7

Thanks for the input.

I believe that I will pass on the Paragon series at this time.

wdcrvr

8

Hi,

I have one, and out of 50 plus motorized units, it is the clear favorite. I highly recommend!

9

And, in my opinion, that would be your loss.

I have a Paragon 4-8-4, and it is one of my favorites. Runs very well, is quite heavy, and really looks good on the layout.

You should reconsider.

Rich

10

Hi again!

Another cool thing about the ATSF 4-8-4 is you can realistically use it for both freight and passenger and as a helper unit.

I have to add… back in the late '70s I was at the RR museum in Dallas. They had a UP Big Boy (4-8-8-4), and nearby was an ATSF 4-8-4. While the Big Boy is considered by most to be the biggest loco, I felt the ATSF 4-8-4 was definitely more impressive. Folks can sure disagree about that, but I remember how surprised I was that the “biggest” just didn’t seem all that big as compared to the 4-8-4.

11

Are you sure there was a SF 4-8-4 at the museum at Dallas?? I am aware of the Frisco 4501 4-8-4 at Dallas, but I have never seen any SF 4-8-4’s there. By the way, none of those locos are there any longer.

CZ

12

I believe it was an ATSF, but I cannot swear to it. I would have been there in 78 or 79. I thought they moved the exhibits to a nearby location about 20 years ago or so.

13

I have several BLI steam engines. Theyb are just great! The new Paragon 3 is just terrific with the BLI Rolling Thunder!

I have many Broadway Limited ATSF 4-8-4 Paragon, including QSI, Blue Line (with DDC decoder), Paragon and Paragon 2.

They are just great, but I had some of the Paragon 2 engines decoder burnout

Did anyone had similar problems?

Is there a replacement decoder for the BLI ATSF Paragon 2 engines?

thanks,

Luiz Affonso

14

Ask or contact BLI to send you a replacement decorder.

15

Paragon - arguably cheaper QSI sound, generally louder motor sound, no smoke.

Paragon 2 - better sound, smoke equipped, quieter motor control, uneven running qualities(my paragon 2 engines always “shake” the cars behind it)