Experience the golden age of passenger railroading with the legendary Electro-Motive Division E7!

History & Legacy

Built in La Grange, Illinois between 1945 and 1949, the 2,000-horsepower E7 was one of the most successful and recognizable passenger diesels of its era. A total of 428 cab-equipped E7A units and 82 booster E7B units rolled off the production line, powered by twin 12-cylinder 567A engines that delivered smooth, dependable performance. As the eighth model in EMD’s iconic E-unit series, the E7 quickly became the best-selling E model of its time—earning its place at the head end of America’s premier passenger trains.

With its bold, confident profile, the E7 introduced the famous “bulldog nose” styling that would define later models like the E8 and E9. More than 20 railroads rostered these striking locomotives, making them a true nationwide icon. Today, only one example remains: former Pennsylvania Railroad E7A #5901, preserved and beautifully restored at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Production Run Details

In this exciting production run, Broadway Limited Imports are offering prototypically accurate A and B units representing 12 different railroads, complete with authentic road numbers and paint schemes. Choose from A-B sets featuring a Powered A-unit with Broadway Limited Imports Paragon4 Sound system paired with an unpowered B-unit, or select individual A and B units (where appropriate), each equipped with their full Paragon4 DC/DCC/Sound system. Every model features railroad-specific details and lighting, delivering the realism and performance your customers expect. The E7 isn’t just a locomotive—it’s the unmistakable face of first-class passenger railroading.

Road-Specific Detail Options

• Pilot prototypical for paint scheme
• Operating Mars Light where prototypical (with decoder installed)
• Large 45-degree numberboards where prototypically accurate
• Small side numberboards where prototypically accurate
• Prototypical horn detail on model
• Accurate air intake behind cab side doors
• Cooling fans and exhaust hatch accurate per each prototype
• Accurate headlight positioning per the prototype
• Multiple MU door options on front of model
• Prototypically accurate truck sideframes
• Ladder rest grab irons present where prototypically accurate
• Grab iron ladder present where prototypically accurate
• Eyebrow grab irons present where prototypically accurate
• Grab irons above cab side windows where prototypically accurate
• Roof antenna present and correct where prototypically accurate
• Front and Rear lift lug present where accurate
• Nose door number plate present where accurate
• Trainphone antenna present where accurate

Industry-Leading Model Features

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER
• Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation
• All Wheel Electrical Pick-up
• ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort
• Premium Caliber Painting
• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Grab Irons, Horns, and Bell
• Prototypical Light Operation
• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the EMD E7 Diesel Locomotive
• MicroTrains-compatible Couplers (2)
• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70 and Code 80 Rail
• Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches

About Paragon4

Broadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4: The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level as Broadway Limited's Paragon3 Series models.

Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features

• Operates in DC & DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
• Built-In extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track
• Pro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model
• Switcher Mode for precise low speed control
• Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
• High Resolution Audio
• Quillable Horn for various whistle lengths and patterns
• Choice of 3 selectable Horns
• Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
• Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
• Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
• Multiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command
• Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
• Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal
• Prime Mover sound intensity varies with load
• Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
• EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings

Looking for more Broadway Limited Imports EMD (Electro-Motive Division) E7 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!