GTX,
The BLI Hudson is a good locomotive. I think they had an issue(s) with their first run, which they addressed with their 2nd run. I think they are into their 3rd run now. (Edit: Yes, BLI will be releasing a 3rd run. See link below:)
http://precisioncraftmodels.com/BLI---NYC-J1e-d-4-6-4,-HO---3rd-Run-c3415.html
My BLI 2-8-2 Mike runs well...but not as smoothly as my Trix Mike. The QSI upgrade chip does help smooth out the starting/stopping but it could still use improvement. I would assume that the 3rd run of the Hudson would come with the upgrade already installed.
GTX, the #5450 is not listed with the 3rd run. I don't know if this is from the 1st or 2nd run of Hudsons. There's no picture of the #5450 on the BLI web site. With that I'd assume that meant that it's part of the 3rd run. But then why wouldn't it be listed with the 3rd run of Hudsons? Anyone know for sure?
Here's a link to a picture of #5344:
http://www.precisioncraftmodels.com/B1355-NYC-J1e-4-6-4,-w--PT-4-Tender,-Scullin-Drivers,-5344,-Sound,-HO-i31458-c3415.html
Tom