Broadway Limited

Just got the new product guide from Broadway Limited.
Frisco SD40-2 new paint job. # 950 and 957 $ 299.99 Have not seen this one yet
Frisco Consolidation 2-8-0 # 1272 and 1280 $ 449.99
Maybe some who know about these engines will give us the low down.

 

Here is the artwork, anyone can email Broadway or me with suggestions.
Bill

 

I am not certain what prototype the BLI Paragon-2 Consolidation follows, but here is how the model compares to the 1266-1280 series, 1910 Baldwins for which the model is lettered, i.e., 1272 and 1280.

The Frisco 1266-1280 series 2-8-0’s were built by Baldwin during 1910. The locomotives of the 1266-1305 series were modernized during 1922-1924 by the West Shops. As rebuilt the class had 26”x 30” cylinders, carried 190 pounds of pressure, rode on 63” drivers, and burned coal. Several were rebuilt with 23” x 30 “cylinders and two carried 200 pound of pressure. Several were converted to oil for use on the Southwestern and Western Divisions. During the late 30’s and early 40’s, others were assigned to yard service, and the tenders of these locomotives had their coal bunkers modified to improve sight-lines. Headlights were move to the top of the smokebox, and footboards were applied. There is a pic in the Frisco Archive that shows the rear of 1280 with its cut-down tender.

I have overlaid the Frisco diagram over an image of the BLI model to show how the model compares with the Frisco prototype. I have use the pulling face of the pilot coupler as my point of origin or datum. In order to resize the diagram to match model image, I assumed that the model tender wheels were 33” in diameter, and that they were on 6 foot centers.

One can see that the Frisco locomotive is a bit longer than the model. The Frisco locomotive has a conical boiler and the model has a cylindrical boiler. The firebox bed is sloped on the Frisco prototype.
The tender profile and dimensions are not even close.

In my opinion, out of the box, the BLI model misses the mark for someone looking for a model of a Frisco 1266-1280 class locomotive. I’d want better for my $500.00. For someone else, it’s a matter how close is good enough.

 

I own a pair of BLI locomotive, originally SF 3800 series 2-10-2 that I have converted into the #19 & #40. They do run well, but I was a little disappointed in their sound systems, I think Tsunami decorders produce a much better sound. They are a good platform for converting if the running gear on what you are modeling is close. I would guess it is another case of a manufacturer trying to get the biggest coverage for the work they have put into creating the model. I guess the bottom line for me would be that if I was looking for a starting place to model the 1200 class I would probably consider it, know that I would have a lot of work ahead of me for it to be correct, as Karl has outlined. I base this decision on the fact that I am more comfortable working in plastic rather than brass. On the other hand if I was just wanting a 2-8-0 configured locomotive I would probably go with Bobbie Halls model of the 1300 series. I know Hallmark missed the mark on a number of their projects over the years, but they did a pretty good job on the 1300's they imported. If you look around you can usually find one fairly reasonable on the internet and with the installation of a Tsunami decoder you will probably have more value for your dollar.

One thing I will mention about the Hallmark 1300 I have heard of instances were the insulation failed on the drive wheel. I haven't had this problem with any of mine, but it would be something I would check on. Bad insulation on a drive wheel of a brass engine is not easy to fix and in some cases can't be fixed, so at that point all you have is a nice display model.

Brad Slone

 

If one has his heart set on a 1200 class locomotive, the FMIG 28, page 27, Dec 1980 notes that the 1226-1226 series may be modeled with some work by using a PFM ATSF 1950 class 2-8-0, and the 1266-1280 and 1293-1305 series are close enough to the Hallmark MP100 series "for all but the nit pickers". Otherwise, the Hallmark Frisco 1306 class is very nice. I built a new dog house and put a can motor and flywheel in mine.

 

The released artwork shows a generic boiler on the PRR H10s running gear. If the "Frisco" model is on the H10s running gear it will have 62 inch drivers.

http://prr.railfan.net/diagrams/PRRdiagrams.html?diag=H10s-E85283_2.gif&sel=ste&sz=sm&fr=

It makes sense to reuse the mechanism for other projects, but sometimes at the expense of accuracy. PRR friends say the H10s runs very well.
John Sanders

 

Sounds to me, like the Frisco Consolidation, is not a good model for those who want accuracy. However sounds like it might be a good runner. I was looking, its equiped with the new sound system "Rolling Thunder" That sounds neat, but I don't think I want to go with that type system.
Maybe we could get some feedback on the SD40-2, the art looks nice, again it has, the "Rolling Thunder"
Big Thanks to the members that continue to give us good information on the new offerings.
This is one of the great features of the site.

 

BLI uses a bit of "latitude" in their products. However, I have purchased a LOT (7 and counting) of their Paragon 2 EMD switch engines, and they are excellent runners. I'm learning to accept a bit of "latitude" for the sake of time saved for other hobby-related tasks when it comes to building, equipping, and finishing a layout. Can't always have ultra-accurate finely detailed engines and rolling stock, complex track that is well done, excellent scenery w/excellent structures, et al. Where do you want to invest your hobby time?

I have decided I will accept some latitude in RTR equipment that at least "looks right", so I can spend my time in other areas that can't be purchased RTR.

 

Andre, that's a good way to look at the hobby, the cost of getting a model right down to the rivet, is just too much. I would guess most everyone wants accuracy, to a level that is acceptable to them at a cost, their willing to pay.
Another good aspect, for this site, their's room for everyone.
I have just about as much Broadway, items as Athearn. My best overall, I think, is the Atlas U-30's. They seem, to be like the real ones they just seem to run, through anything. The design must be real good.
I like the scenery aspect of the hobby, that really adds realism.

 

Thanks for your remarks, Bill.

In my case, I'm really biting off a pretty good hunk of railroading (all the KC lines via a free-lanced approach to the West Bottoms), and I certainly appreciate the RTR diesels that are more than "good enough" to suit my purposes. As it sits, I still have several undecs that are earmarked to become units that are not offered in road names that fit my theme. Namely: A Frisco pure-Alco RS-2, a Frisco RS-1 (it was offered, but not readily available now), two KCT S-2's, and eventually a KCT HH Alco. In addition, I have several undec Stewart/Kato engines leftover from my previous HO days some 15 or so years ago that will get painted/decaled/weathered to represent KC area railroads. At this point, I have only two KC railroads left for which I don't have power: The Wabash and the GM&O. Oh, and I also need a Missouri Pacific switch engine or two. (I only have a Mop FA1/FB1.)

All:

Steam is a much more "personalized" subject, and it is harder to accept "good enough", 'cause many times it's not "good enough". Whether I could be happy with the upcoming BLI Frisco 2-8-0 is moot, seeing as my era is "The Early '60s". However, that BLI Light Mike looks really nice, and according to the Youtube videos I've seen, it runs EXCELLENT. It would be SOOOO tempting to do a bit of a "dual era" sort of thing... but that idea/implementation would be WAY down the modeling line for me at this point. I have my hands full just amassing the items I'm going to need to build the West Bottoms in my new 16' x 20' out building that's in the dry and has electricity to it. (The heat/AC is next.)