Broadway Limited Imports BLI-2503, HO Baldwin Centipede A-A Set, w Par4 Sound, PRR Single-Stripe #5833/5821

Broadway Limited Imports BLI-2503, HO Baldwin Centipede A-A Set, w Par4 Sound, PRR Single-Stripe #5833/5821

BLI Item #: BLI-2503

Model Features:

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER in BOTH units


• Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC


• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation


• ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort


• Built-in Capacity Pack for Improved Electrical Pick-up


• Premium Caliber Painting


• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers


• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Horn, Bell, Wipers, and Etched Metal Grills


• Prototypical Light Operation Including Separately Controllable Headlight, Rear Light, Cab Light, and Numberboards


• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the Baldwin Centipede Locomotive


• Metal Kadee-compatible Couplers (2)


• Will Operate on Code 70, Code 83, and Code 100 Rail


• Minimum Operating Radius:  22 inches

Paragon 4 Sound Features Include:

• 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

Prototype Overview:

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 BLI is offering models in all of the prototypical paint schemes, including the Demonstrator scheme.  They are also offering two Union Pacific "Fantasy Scheme" sets. There has been a debate over the years about which road numbers the units would have been assigned, so they have built models painted for both 1600A/1601A and also 998/999.