They actually managed to figure out the PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 and somehow even get it to run on an 18" radius! The price of the model is also less than what I would've expected, so this might be the quickest I've ever pre-ordered any model railroad item (and for over $100 off through Factory Direct Hobbies)! Looks like the release will be late next year. I actually picked up the Gem 6-4-4-6 a while ago with plans to give it some minor tweaks and a good paint job, so for the BLI model, I'm going with the American Railroads version to go along side the PRR decoration I'll be doing for the Gem model. Don't know about all of you, but I'm looking forward to it!
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Darth, to each his own, and I am happy for you. But, that locomotive is the ugliest thing that I have ever laid my eyes on. You will never see one on my layout.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainthat locomotive is the ugliest thing that I have ever laid my eyes on.
Hi Darth and Rich,
Rich, I have to disagree (politely). I love the 1920s/1930s Art Deco style! No, it doesn't look like a normal steam engine but therein lies the beauty.
Having said that, I wouldn't buy one either but only because it is a little old for my era, and something that size would look ridiculous on my small layout.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
As a NYC fan, it doesn't hold a candle to the Dreyfuss or Empire State Express Hudsons. Those are classic!
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
To quote Wolfgang Pauli, "that comment is so bad, it's not even wrong"
tstage As a NYC fan, it doesn't hold a candle to the Dreyfuss or Empire State Express Hudsons. Those are classic! Tom
I also have the BLI Dreyfuss as well as the old Rivarossi. Great looking engines! It may have been a headache for the work crews, but I can't help but like the 1930's era streamlining. I also have the American Flyer O-gauge Royal Blue 4-6-2 as well as an LMS Coronation 4-6-2 from DJH (fun fact - LMS shipped a Coronation set over to the USA to run along side the B&O Royal Blue for a short time). I'm sure there will be others to make it into the collection eventually.
The only thing NYC had that was comparable to this would have been the C1a -- and that would not have been 'streamstyled' any more than a Niagara would have been. Even if your lyin' eyes denies:
The S1 was the correct "Torpedo" for the Lionel story -- no clown-suited K4s need apply for 'the fastest locomotive in the world'. As with the British A4s, it looked much better when the side valances were cut back... doesn't look as if we'll get that option in the original run.
I do have to wonder where they got the sound files for this locomotive. They are advertising the 'Johnson Bar Sound' for a duplex with power reverse, and multiple choices of quillable whistle and horn without guarantee that it matches what was actually installed on 6100. But even so -- $68 to reserve a pre-order! That's cheap, cheap, cheap! Count me in.
(They may have missed s sure bet by not making a fantasy version available in metalflake bronze...)
My only comment about the S1 is it needs a nose job. That big snoot is not to my liking. This comment not even worth a plug nickel.
I'm ordering 2 in stealth
1 tuscan fantasy scheme
2 inservice Darth Santa Fe They actually managed to figure out the PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 and somehow even get it to run on an 18" radius! The price of the model is also less than what I would've expected, so this might be the quickest I've ever pre-ordered any model railroad item (and for over $100 off through Factory Direct Hobbies)! Looks like the release will be late next year. I actually picked up the Gem 6-4-4-6 a while ago with plans to give it some minor tweaks and a good paint job, so for the BLI model, I'm going with the American Railroads version to go along side the PRR decoration I'll be doing for the Gem model. Don't know about all of you, but I'm looking forward to it!
Darth Santa Fe They actually managed to figure out the PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 and somehow even get it to run on an 18" radius! The price of the model is also less than what I would've expected, so this might be the quickest I've ever pre-ordered any model railroad item (and for over $100 off through Factory Direct Hobbies)! Looks like the release will be late next year. I actually picked up the Gem 6-4-4-6 a while ago with plans to give it some minor tweaks and a good paint job, so for the BLI model, I'm going with the American Railroads version to go along side the PRR decoration I'll be doing for the Gem model. Don't know about all of you, but I'm looking forward to it!
Definitely an interesting model.
I don't consider art deco/streamlining on a steam locomotive to be attractive. Then again, I love ATSF CF7s, so to each their own. I also don't like Santa Fe's streamlined Hudson, the Blue Goose.
About 41 years ago, I had a girlfriend who bought a $5,000 art deco sofa. At the time, I didn't know that art deco sofas were a thing, and I sure didn't think you should spend $5,000 on one. It was the beginning of a very rapid end to that relationship.
Tin Can II I don't consider art deco/streamlining on a steam locomotive to be attractive. Then again, I love ATSF CF7s, so to each their own. I also don't like Santa Fe's streamlined Hudson, the Blue Goose. About 41 years ago, I had a girlfriend who bought a $5,000 art deco sofa. At the time, I didn't know that art deco sofas were a thing, and I sure didn't think you should spend $5,000 on one. It was the beginning of a very rapid end to that relationship.
If I continue buying every kewl locomotive that is offered, my wife may want a very rapid end to our relationship. Although, to be fair, she has been a strong supporter of me in this hobby....but......you know... we're not swimming in discretionary cash.
I did purchase the Blue Goose 4-6-4 because it has a funky look, dated but interesting, and those variants of the Hudson class had large drivers. Runs really well. Also, I have an N&W J # 607 (fell over at speed due to a missed signal indicating crossover ahead in the 50's, killed the fireman) that also has the bulbous streamlined nose. I'm used to it, so the S1 would look good. However, I have Rapido's Excursion H1b on reserve which is going to cost me more than the S1 is being offered. I have to pick 'n choose my battles. Maybe I can snag a refurb at BLI's website after the sales end.
selector Maybe I can snag a refurb at BLI's website after the sales end.
Maybe I can snag a refurb at BLI's website after the sales end.
Technically, the proper design style is "Streamline Moderne." You will see it referenced as part of Art Deco, but it's not. It's an artistic revolt from the gaudy ornateness of true Art Deco.
I share Darth Santa Fe's (great youtube videos, btw!) opinions on streamlined steam. I'm going for the World's Fair version of the S1, because of the history and the fact that there are numerous photos and videos of it running on the treadmill.
I love the Dreyfuss Hudson, too, but I think Loewy's career was more substantial and reached well beyond railroads.
I can appreciate the speed standing still look of the PRR loco.
However, the best BLI loco to date is the brass hybrid C&O K-2 Mikado and/or the Texas & Pacific 2-10-4. I prefer their classic mid-20's look to the streamlining, but to each his own.
John