Review by Jason Quinn/Model Photos by Pamela Varney
Only a few short years ago, the aspiring Union Pacific (UP) heritage fleet modeler could only dream of acquiring unique and, in many cases, one-off prototypes of the fleet. Broadway Limited Imports (BLI) has recognized the need for these cars and has hit the ground running! BLI offers many of Union Pacific’s special heritage fleet cars, as well as many unique passenger cars operated by other railroads. This has created an exciting new frontier for the business train or excursion train modeler. In a world where brass or kitbashing models was the only way forward, BLI has turned this niche market into an obtainable option for anyone interested.
My first sample is the “power behind it all,” UPP (the extra “P” in the reporting marks refers to the road’s passenger equipment) 2066 power car with sound. The other sample is the “best view of the rails,” the Fox River track inspection car with its huge window covering the entire rear end of the car. Both samples are for the modern era. Let’s take a look at the power car!
ABOVE: With its distinctive humped roofline, Union Paicifc’s power car 2066 is easy to spot and stands out in excursion train consists. Broadway Limited Imports brings this interesting prototype to its growing line of HO scale passenger car offerings. UPP 2066 features many of the same attributes of other BLI efforts in this category. The 1:87 power car includes ac-curate Union Pacific colors and lettering. The model can navigate curves as narrow as 18-inch radius.
The power car was built from UP 5816, a postal storage car. In 1972, car 5816 was renumbered to UP 903677 and turned into a Roadway Tool Car. In 2004, it was redesignated as Power Car UPP 2066 after receiving the upgrades and modifications. BLI’s model faithfully replicates the 2066 in HO scale.
The 1:87 replica features an authentic body produced in plastic with many of the details separately applied, such as grab irons, antennas, and end diaphragms. The model does have some molded-on details, one such detail is roof top conduit. I do find some of the details to be a bit chunky. The stirrup steps are one such detail of note. Chunky may be too harsh of a word to describe it though, perhaps less refined would be a better definition. With ultra refined details being important to some modelers, I will say this model is a solid, durable, and overall good representation of the prototype.
ABOVE: Once the domain of high-end brass imports or arduous kitbashing efforts, Union Pacific’s executive passenger car fleet is rolling out from Broadway Limited Imports as finely rendered plastic models. The efforts include numerous separately applied details, flush-fitting clear windows, interiors, and more.
However, it is not what I would call ultra refined in detail. It is built for the everyday modeler who wants every aspect to be good, which it absolutely is! If unparalleled detail is your interest, you will need to sharpen up those modeling skills and push this model to the ultra-detailed finish line. Here are some highlights of detail the car does have: atop the bulge area of the roof you will find two photo etched fan grills with fan detail beneath,the rivet details are refined, and so are the casting marks on the trucks. The electronics is where BLI passenger car models really shine!
The review sample is equipped with sound; BLI also offers a non-sound version of the model. Once DCC track power is applied, you will hear the start up of two Deutz diesel engines. These will run continuously throughout your run session, unless you turn them off with the supplied magnetic wand. The sound can be set to one of three volume levels by simply touching the car side. The lights are also activated the same way. Full information on the operation of these features is supplied within the box. I must say I really love the touch activated features! And if features are of interest, you’ll simply love what the next sample has in store!
