BLI 8810 - N Scale - EMD E8A/Unpowered B Set w/Sound & DCC - Paragon4(TM) -- Santa Fe #81L, 81A (Warbonnet, silver, red)

Prototypes for this Broadway Limited N Scale Paragon4 EMD E8 or E9 locomotive were the pinnacle of EMD passenger diesel development. Following the success of the EMD E7, the E8 and E9 locomotives gained equal popularity among many Class 1 railroads. The E8 and E9 marked the culmination of the "E-Unit" series of passenger locomotives produced by the General Motors Electro-Motive Division in La Grange, Illinois. The E8 was capable of producing 2,250 horsepower, thanks to its two 12-cylinder model 567B engines, each driving a generator to power the two traction motors on one truck. From August 1949 to January 1954, a total of 450 cab versions, or E8As, were manufactured, with 447 for the U.S. and 3 for Canada. Additionally, 46 E8Bs were built exclusively for the U.S. from December 1949 to January 1954. The E9 followed the success of the E8, producing slightly more horsepower (2,400 compared to 2,250), and featured a different, flusher-fitting mounting for the headlight glass as the only visible difference. Between April 1954 and January 1964, 100 cab-equipped E9A units and 44 cabless booster E9B units were produced, all for service in the United States.
 
E8s and E9s powered American passenger and mail trains from the 1950s through the late 1970s. E9s were frequently seen pulling some of America's most iconic trains, including Union Pacific Railroad's "City" fleet, Burlington's "Zephyr" fleet, and Southern Pacific Railroad's Coast Daylight and Sunset Limited. Numerous examples of E8s and E9s are preserved across the country. Many are still operational at museums and tourist railroads nationwide. Union Pacific, in particular, maintains a fleet of three E9s used for occasional business and excursion trains.
 
This E Unit is equipped with the Paragon4 sound system which works with all Broadway Limited Rolling Thunder(TM) advanced sound systems. A-B sets include an unpowered B unit. Other features of this locomotive include a heavy die cast chassis, smooth-running flywheel-equipped drive, directional lighting and magnetic knuckle couplers. It can be operated on all DCC systems as well as on standard DC railroads (with limited sound functionality). The decoder is mounted in a Next18 socket. It has wheels profiled to operate on Code 55 and larger rail and curves of 9-3/4" radius and larger are recommended.