Broadway Limited Union Pacific Big Boy

[@HankAmericanEngine]

I have to admit that the glossy black excursion livery on the newest release of the BLI Big Boys for #4014 is definitely an eye-catcher, but the pony truck's wheels not being painted black to match the rest of the engine is a major let-down, and I think this is one of the few reasons I'll stray away from the Paragon 4 release. Granted that I know Paragon 4 is an electronics upgrade, the most information I can find about the newest specs for it is that KeepAlive has been included, and nothing more; please do correct me if I'm wrong in that regard, but I don't think the addition of KeepAlive and a glossy livery is enough to justify the steep and commanding price for this latest release. Impressive as it is, I'm perfectly content with my Paragon 3 Big Boy, and don't intend to purchase the latest run of this behemoth. If there were only a few more adjustments to the electronics, such as a better quality speaker to clearly play the sounds, accurate whistle audio (which does exist), and a few more cosmetic paint applications, I would say it is the pinnacle of the 4-8-8-4s that Broadway has manufactured. Regardless, a lovely showcase comparing the two side-by-side, Neil. Hope to see more from you in the future. Hank

[@cooljackdesert]

Great shots as always Neil!

[@thomasavensjr.2790]

Very enjoyable parallel display of the two different BLI productions of the UP "big boy" model, hopefully the paragon4 decoders have improved performance over the paragon3 style decoders- Tom.

[@NeilADahl]

Thomas, Thanks for your comments! In my experience with BLI from QSI to Paragon 4 with over 40 locomotives I have had no performance or failures. I have fixed a couple of BLI engines for friends, their problems were solved by turning off power to the track while placing locos on the track to prevent shorts. and now they are failure free for years. Thanks Neil

[@RabidWombatz]

Nicely shot video,great closeup footage. Sound is good too. I’d like to know if the paragon 4 is better than the paragon 3 for dodgy track or turnouts. My Paragon 3 diesels cut out instantly on the slightest track defect or grit. This is the main reason I am hesitant to buy. One of my BLI has stopped working altogether too. I really like their shunters, but I’m hesitant to buy one for Christmas.

[@NeilADahl]

Hello, I have Shinohara Turnouts with powered frogs so I do not have track issues. That being said theGo Packs that come installed in the Big Boy will provide up to 5 seconds of power once the track power has been interrupted. Also the BB picks up power up from 20 total wheels so one would have to have major issues I would think to loose power. On your loco that is not working at all... Try to run it on pure DC power , then if it runs go back to DCC. That has worked for me on the occasional confused loco. I have over 40 BLI locos mainly steam, and 10 diesels never have had a failure so far that running on DC did not fix. Best practice is to kill track power, make sure all wheels are really on the rails, then turn back on DCC POWER!I have replaced a couple of BLI decoders for friends... but once they started turning off power when placing locos on the track they have not had any issues. Matter of fact The newest BLI locos have a sticker to this effect on their clamshells! Neil

[@derekalexander4030]

Thanks for doing this video comparison of 3 & 4. Who do you think makes the best HO Big Boy? I checked out your channel and have subscribed.

[@NeilADahl]

Derek, Both are fine, The MTH is a little more finicky due to the proprietary DCS control. and is missing the turbine for the electrical generation. The BLI is a better puller most likely due to the traction tires. The P4 has a built in keep alive which overcomes some issues with track, and better tender detail matching #4014 as she is today. P4 would be my choice as one is getting the newest features. Either way they are very fine models in many ways approaching the quality of the finest brass a a reasonable price.They are made to run. Neil

[@timwelty4379]

Great video! I'm trying to see if I can fit this engine on a track with 22" turns. What is the radius of the turn the engines are backing into during the last couple minutes of the video? I need to understand how much overhand I'll get on a 22"' turn.

[@NeilADahl]

Tim, The turnouts that they are backing through are #6. My curves on the upper level are 24" my signals are spaced according to a HO standards gauge and the Big Boys all have cleared the signals. MTH, Athearn, and BLI. All these locos are plenty flexible and can run on 18 radius, but the overhang will be more on tighter curves. Neil

[@freedomConvoy64]

Big Boy 3 red

[@ВалерийФилиппов-д8о]

Supervisor 👍 🤝

[@08trader]

Is there any detail difference between the 2 versions outside of paint and gloss?

[@NeilADahl]

Sorry about being tardy on the reply... The Paragon 4 Glossy does not have the builders plate on the boiler, but does have better detail on the tender deck containment area(Broadway sent me a builders plate) and for those with track issues, the Paragon 4 has the go pack which powers the loco for @ 5 seconds when power is lost, and has Pro mode where one can control different lighting functions independently. Neil