NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Early Challenger, Instruction Cars, and Str

We at BLI are excited to announce three new HO scale products coming your way in 2026. These products are ready to order from your dealer today!

1st Announcement: Brass-Hybrid UP Early Challenger, HO

We at Broadway Limited Imports are excited to announce a new production run of the Union Pacific Early Challenger (CSA-2) in HO scale!

These incredibly popular Brass-Hybrid locomotives will return in 2026 with new road numbers but with the same incredible level of detail your customers expect from our Hybrid locomotives.

In this production run, we are offering multiple era-specific versions: As-Delivered Front Engine, Rebuilt Front Engine, and Integral Cast Cylinder Front Engine. Alongside these historically accurate models, we are also producing three striking fantasy schemes and an unlettered, painted brass version for maximum customization.

All models are available in two configurations: Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC with Smoke or our Stealth Series—No-Sound, DCC-Ready models with factory-installed speakers. The Stealth Series allows customers to easily install their own 21-pin DCC decoder for a simple “plug-and-play” upgrade.

Below are renders of our fantasy paint schemes. To view the full list of models, click here!

ABOVE: Two-Tone Gray is one of our fantasy scheme offerings!

ABOVE: This Builders Scheme with the Union Pacific Overland Route logo looks sharp!

ABOVE: The reception to our 1800's Ornate Fantasy Scheme for the AT&SF Hudson's was very warm! So much so, we added our own touch to this production run!

ABOVE: If you’re looking for a blank canvas, our Brass Painted locomotives provide the perfect foundation for customizing a paint scheme to match your railroad.

About the prototype: Designed specifically for Union Pacific’s demanding operating conditions, the Challengers represented a significant step forward in high-speed articulated locomotive technology. Much of the engineering experience gained from the Challenger program directly influenced the creation of the railroad’s legendary Big Boy locomotives. Between 1936 and 1943, a total of 105 were constructed

The name “Challenger” refers to the 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement: four leading wheels in the pilot truck to guide the locomotive through curves, two sets of six driving wheels powered by a total of four steam cylinders, and four trailing wheels supporting the massive firebox. In essence, each Challenger was two engines operating under one boiler. Prior to their introduction, articulated steam locomotives were generally limited to slower speeds due to design constraints. Union Pacific’s technical innovations broke that barrier, making sustained speeds over 60 mph—unheard of for articulated locomotives on other railroads—routine on their main lines.

In this production run, we are offering multiple era-specific versions: As-Delivered Front Engine, Rebuilt Front Engine, and Integral Cast Cylinder Front Engine. Alongside these historically accurate models, we are also producing three striking fantasy schemes and an unlettered, painted brass version for maximum customization.

ARRIVING: Summer 2026

ORDER BY: December 4th, 2025

We at Broadway Limited Imports are excited to introduce an incredibly unique addition to the HO scale passenger car market: Instruction and Exhibit Cars!

These specialized cars are based on our modified coach tooling originally developed for the 1947 American Freedom Train. Since every prototype inspection and exhibit car was custom-built and truly one-of-a-kind, it isn’t possible to reproduce each one exactly. Instead, we’ve adapted our proven 80’ coach design to capture the look and spirit of these distinctive cars—while keeping them affordable and accessible to modelers.

The result is a layout-ready model that combines authenticity, presence, and character, complete with paint schemes that stay true to the prototypes.

In this production run, we’re offering several road names that will stand out on any layout. The highlight is NS Exhibit Car #27, which still operates today, traveling to special events. Inside, visitors can find displays featuring models of Norfolk Southern’s Heritage locomotives, an engineer simulator, and even a photo booth. This car makes a perfect companion to our Norfolk Southern Executive F-units, arriving this fall.

Below are renders of a few schemes we are offering. If you'd like to see the full list of paint schemes available, click here.

ABOVE: Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car #27

ABOVE: Southern Exhibit Car

ABOVE: ATSF 5005, Railroad Exhibit Car

ABOVE: GN Fire Prevention X1828, Railroad Instruction Car

ABOVE: Chessie's Center CSC-1, Railroad Instruction Car

About the prototypes: Instruction and Exhibit Cars were among the most distinctive passenger cars ever built, with each one designed for a unique role. Instruction cars were used primarily for employee training—helping railroaders learn about equipment, safety procedures, and handling hazardous materials. Exhibit cars served the public, offering traveling displays that highlighted railroad history, safety awareness, and career opportunities. Together, these cars represented both education and outreach, making them a fascinating and memorable part of railroad history.

In this production run, we’re offering several road names that will stand out on any layout. The highlight is NS Exhibit Car #27, which still operates today, traveling to special events. Inside, visitors can find displays featuring models of Norfolk Southern’s Heritage locomotives, an engineer simulator, and even a photo booth. This car makes a perfect companion to our Norfolk Southern Executive F-units, arriving this fall.

ARRIVING: Summer 2026

ORDER BY: December 4th, 2025

Our final HO scale announcement is here—two brand-new fantasy paint schemes for our AT&SF Hudson project, created with our iconic Blue Goose tooling!

First up is the striking 1947 American Freedom Train scheme. This version of the “Blue Goose” is the perfect companion for anyone who’s ordered our 5-Car American Freedom Train Heavyweight Set. Looking for a show-stopping locomotive to lead the Freedom Train’s 250th Anniversary run in 2026? This is the one you’ve been waiting for!

But that’s not all—we’re also excited to introduce a legendary, prototypical-inspired scheme: Santa Fe’s “Valley Flyer.”

The Valley Flyer was a short-lived but unforgettable passenger train operated by the Santa Fe Railroad between Bakersfield and Oakland, California. From 1939 to 1942, it carried travelers to the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. While the original was only semi-streamlined, our model brings that distinctive livery to a fully streamlined Hudson, blending historical charm with added elegance—a tribute to one of the most unique trains in AT&SF’s history.

ABOVE: Who knew AFT looked this good on a Blue Goose?!

ABOVE: The AFT Blue Goose with matching coaches!

ABOVE: The locomotives that hauled The Valley Flyer were semi-streamlined, however we like this fully streamlined look better!

ABOVE: The two renders above show multiple angles of these locomotives.

About the prototypes: The ATSF 3460 class consisted of six “Super Hudson” 4-6-4 steam locomotives built by Baldwin in 1937. One of those, #3460, was the Santa Fe’s only streamlined locomotive. It was painted in a unique light blue and silver paint scheme and gained the name “Blue Goose”. The Blue Goose was delivered to Shopton, Iowa in January 1938, and it pulled many of the Santa Fe’s famed passenger trains until it was retired and scrapped in 1956.

ARRIVING: Summer 2026

ORDER BY: October 30th, 2025

NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS: Early Challenger, Instruction Cars, and Streamlined Hudson

1st Announcement: Brass-Hybrid UP Early Challenger, HO

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