By Harry K. Wong
With the populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco both growing by leaps and bounds at the turn of the 20th century, the need for efficient travel between the two coastal California cities was addressed by Southern Pacific. The Espee fielded several different trains to serve the public between these two growing metropolitan areas located 471 miles apart by rail, though the fastest schedule took twelve hours to cover the distance. However, in 1938, the railroad inaugurated what became their most famous and prestigious of passenger trains — the Coast Daylight. Designed during the depths of the Great Depression, the Coast Daylight was an all-new streamliner that took only 9 ¾ hours to travel between the two cities.
Leading this new lightweight passenger train was a class of brand new streamlined 4-8-4s built by Lima Locomotive Works — the ultimate evolution of which was delivered in 1941 — twenty eight GS-4 locomotives, equipped with 80 in. drivers, an all-weather cab and the addition of an oscillating signal light mounted above the headlight on the smokebox front.
In 1941, Two GS-5s were also constructed, essentially identical to the 28 GS-4s, but with roller bearings on all drivers. Subsequent GS-6s followed to meet wartime needs, but were constructed to more spartan specifications during World War II. After dieselization, only one GS-4 4449 and a single GS-6 4460 survived in preservation. 
Through the herculean efforts of preservationist Doyle McCormack and crew, 4449 was restored to operation and pulled the 1975 American Freedom Train as it toured through the Midwest and Western U.S. Since returned to its original Daylight colors and SP lettering, the restored 4449 is one of the biggest stars at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland today.
Though Broadway Limited Imports has produced models of the Southern Pacific GS-4 before, this is a completely reengineered release that utilizes all-new body tooling, an entirely new drive system and all new electronics from the wheels up. Outside of the couplers, no parts are shared with prior generations.
Out of its long box, one will immediately notice that this engine is extremely heavy! All major components of the model are cast in solid metal with all-new tooling, including the boiler, engine chassis, tender body and tender chassis. In all, this BLI GS-4 exerts a sum total of 37.1 ounces onto the rails. Separately applied details include handrails, ladders, sunshades, generators, whistle, horn, and a brass bell. The vent on the cab roof is positionable, as is the cab apron between engine and tender. The cab interior includes painted figures representing the engineer and fireman…
