Broadway Limited NYC J1e Paragon First Run vs Second Run

[Trainman440]

Hi all,

This is a tough question to explain so hear me out. I've recently come aware that a long time ago when BLI first released the NYC J1e hudson, they came across some issues and hence made 2 runs of the model, both with Paragon sound. 

I've since come up with a few features that differentiate the two. 

First run has driver wheel tires blackened, but not painted whereas second run's driver rims are all painted. First run has the third driver powered, whereas the second run has power going to the middle driver. First run has driver wheel power pickup contacts exposed, although hard to see. 

First run:

Second run: 

I also learned that many of the first run were faulty(non functioning) and Broadway Limited sold them at a "garage sale". The electronics in the tender has been removed from these engines, presumably salvaged, because they still worked. 

I recently bought one of these hudsons, and while they do look beautiful, Id like to know what was faulty with them. Why was the mechanism reworked, so the power would be put onto the second driver? Did the gears have a tendency to break? Why are they worth almost nothing on ebay? (sells for around $30). Does anyone whos been in the hobby longer than me remember what was faulty with them? Or was the information never released...

PS I tested mine and it runs fine, but I ask because Im wary I bought something from a batch that seemed to have lots of issues, and would like more info. 

Cheers!

Charles

[selector]

The Paragon Hudsons came with QSI decoders, but the BEMF 'creep' was disabled due to litigation over the engineering started by MTH.  QSI eventually won the right to market their version, and I believe that MTH lost their case (not the first time). QSI offered an upgraded chip for about USD$20.  I had several Paragons by then with QSI and upgraded three locomotives.

[gmpullman]

Trainman440

Does anyone whos been in the hobby longer than me remember what was faulty with them?

I was first-in-line to get one of the Model 001 Hudsons. I don't recall having any problems with it but I do remember Broadway offering a "buyback" program where they would send you an updated model for $100 if you returned the original.

I took advantage of the offer.

I'm also old enough to have completely forgotten the reasons why 

There is some discussion about it here:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/50784.aspx

I upgraded about a dozen of my QSI chips as well. There was some motor improvement but they took away the Leslie A-200 air horn that was an alternate choice for the NYC Niagara

If I come across any information I'll update my reply. I still have the paperwork on the "later" Hudson but I turned in everything I had on the original. Pretty sure that was BLI's first model.

https://mrr.trains.com/news-reviews/staff-reviews/2002/11/broadway-limiteds-ho-scale-new-york-central-j-1e-hudson-4-6-4-features-dual-mode-sound

I believe the redesigned "split-frame" construction eliminated the pick-up wipers you mention.

Regards, Ed

[Trainman440]

Ah, thanks for the info Ed!

The J1e is a pretty great model considering its BLI's first. Im glad I got one!

Charles