PRRs I1s decapod design was so successful that by 1924, this 2-10-0 was considered the standard heavy freight hauler of the railroad up until WWII. In 1930, the original I1s underwent a revision of the cylinder steam vents to admit steam for 78% of the stroke. This boosted tractive effort from 90,000 to 96,000 lbs and made the new class I1sa. Through the years, many I1s engines were changed over to the modified I1sa design. By July 1947, the 598-unit fleet was divided into 109 I1s and 489 I1sa locomotives. They remained in service until the end of PRR steam in 1957.

Decapods outperformed Mikado L1s by a whopping 41% more horsepower while consuming 12% less steam. Nicknames for the type included Decs and Hippos, the latter possibly from the fat boiler.

DID YOU KNOW? The I1sa short tender (90F82) has coal board sides that are bent inward a few degrees. Even the most expensive of brass models have missed this detail. BLIs I1sa will properly model this detailan industry first. Thank you, PRRT&HS Modeling Committee, especially Bob Johnson, for your keen eyes!

This release includes an undecorated version along with road numbers with varations in headlight placement and tender type. All come with factory installed DCC w/Sound.

Features:

• New paragon3 sound & operation system featuring Rolling Thunder with authentic sounds and prototypical operation in both dc and dcc environments
• Factory installed engineer & fireman figures
• Synchronized puffing smoke with each chuff
• Variable puffing smoke intensity and timing
• Locomotive composition: abs body with die cast chassis
• Tender composition: abs body with die cast chassis
• Couplers: (2) operating Kadee or compatible
• Compatible tracks: code 70, 83, 100 rail
• Equipped with traction tires
• Minimum operating radius: 18 in or greater

Reservations Due By: June 4, 2015

Expected Release: December 2015

JMP