In 1945, the Southern Pacific purchased ten former Boston & Maine T-1a 2-8-4 “Berkshire” type steam locomotives to support the closing months of World War II. Redesignated as B-1 Berkshires on the Espee, these coal-burning locomotives were initially assigned to SP’s Rio Grande Division between Tucson, Ariz., El Paso, Tex., and Tucumcari, N.M.
Now available from Broadway Limited Imports are former B&M T-1a Berkshires as they first appeared on the Southern Pacific between 1945 and 1949 – modified by the SP with new SP-style train indicators and marker lights above the smokebox, but still configured with their original B&M 4-wheel tenders and Baker valve gear as they first appeared out West. These T-1a Berkshires are also available from Broadway Limited in road-specific versions for Boston & Maine and Santa Fe, which also purchased these locomotives from the B&M during WWII.
These highly detailed engines feature a heavy diecast locomotive body and chassis for maximum pulling power, and numerous separately applied details including handrails, ladders, piping cab glass, air reservoirs, whistle, brass bell and more. The Berkshires are available with BLI’s Paragon4 DC+DCC+Sound decoders for $699.95 MSRP, or in a DC/DCC-ready silent “Stealth” version for $599.99 MSRP. Available now while supplies last at your favorite dealer.
Broadway Limited Imports; 9 East Tower Circle, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; (386) 673-8900; Broadway-limited.com
Purchased in order to support the war effort in 1945, ten former Boston & Maine T-1as were initially assigned to the Rio Grande Division of the Southern Pacific. These Berkshires operated across Texas, Arizona and New Mexico alongside other coal burning locomotives such as SP”s massive AC-9 2-8-8-4s before all were transferred to California by 1950.
The distinctive curved “Coffin” feedwater heater over the smokebox gave these T-1a Berkshires a unique “hooded” appearance unlikely to be confused with anything else. SP’s standard silver paint to the front of the smokebox serves to accentuate the difference.
