Broadway Limited HO Scale Seaboard Air Line Baldwin Centipede SAL #4501 Citrus Scheme Paragon4 DCC/Sound – BLI2509

Broadway Limited HO Scale Seaboard Air Line Baldwin Centipede #4501 – Paragon4 DCC & Sound

Add one of the most distinctive early road diesels ever built to your HO scale railroad with the Broadway Limited BLI2509 Baldwin Centipede SAL #4501. Decorated for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in its colorful Citrus Scheme, this massive Baldwin 12-8-1500/2 features Broadway Limited's advanced Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system, a heavy die-cast chassis and extensive separately applied details.

With its extraordinary length, unmistakable articulated running gear and classic SAL decoration, #4501 makes an impressive centerpiece for Seaboard Air Line modelers and collectors of first-generation diesel power. Explore this locomotive alongside additional road numbers and paint schemes in our Broadway Limited HO Scale Baldwin Centipede locomotives collection.

Seaboard Air Line #4501 in the Citrus Scheme

The Baldwin 12-8-1500/2 Centipede represented Baldwin Locomotive Works' ambitious entry into the production road-diesel market. Built between 1945 and 1948, the Centipede featured an exceptionally long carbody riding on two enormous articulated half-frames connected near the center. An unpowered four-wheel truck at each end helped guide the locomotive through curves and contributed to the unusual running gear that inspired its memorable Centipede nickname.

Unlike the semi-permanently coupled pairs operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Seaboard Air Line operated its Centipedes as individual locomotives. A single unit measured approximately 91.5 feet long and contained two 1,500-horsepower diesel engines, producing approximately 3,000 horsepower.

BLI2509 specifically represents Seaboard Air Line #4501 wearing the eye-catching SAL Citrus Scheme, making it an excellent choice for Seaboard collectors, passenger-era layouts and model railroaders interested in uncommon Baldwin diesel locomotives.

Broadway Limited Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC

BLI2509 comes factory equipped with Broadway Limited's Paragon4 Sound & Control System. The integral dual-mode decoder supports both DC and DCC operation and combines advanced motor control, high-resolution onboard sound, sophisticated lighting functions and built-in capacitance for improved electrical pickup.

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System with Rolling Thunder functionality
• Integral dual-mode DC/DCC decoder with Back EMF
• Precision drive mechanism engineered for heavy towing
• Smooth, controlled low-speed operation
• Built-in capacity pack for improved electrical pickup
• ABS locomotive body with die-cast chassis for maximum tractive effort
• Premium-quality prototype-inspired paint and decoration
• Separately applied handrails, grab irons, horn, bell and windshield wipers
• Detailed etched-metal grilles
• Separately controllable headlight, rear light, cab light and number boards
• Prototype-inspired Baldwin Centipede locomotive sounds
• Metal Kadee-compatible couplers
• Operates on Code 70, Code 83 and Code 100 rail
• Minimum operating radius: 22 inches
• HO Scale 1:87

Advanced Paragon4 Sound & Operating Features

Broadway Limited's Paragon4 electronics give operators extensive control over the locomotive's movement, lighting and sound. Features include improved DC speed control, Back EMF motor control, Pro Lighting Mode, Switcher Mode for precise low-speed operation, Record & Play functionality, high-resolution audio, selectable horns, adjustable sound volumes and numerous user-mappable functions.

A built-in capacitor pack helps #4501 navigate areas of imperfect electrical pickup, while the precision drive mechanism and substantial die-cast chassis are engineered to provide the smooth operation and pulling performance expected from a locomotive of the Centipede's imposing size.

A Signature Baldwin Diesel for Seaboard Air Line Modelers

Seaboard Air Line was one of only three railroads to place production orders for Baldwin Centipedes following demonstrations of Baldwin's prototype A1-A2 set. That limited prototype ownership makes the SAL Centipedes particularly interesting for collectors of unusual diesel locomotives and early road-diesel technology.

The combination of SAL #4501, the Citrus Scheme, Baldwin's enormous 12-8-1500/2 design and Paragon4 DCC/Sound gives BLI2509 a distinctive identity on both operating layouts and display shelves.

For additional premium steam and diesel motive power, browse our complete Broadway Limited locomotives collection.

Pair SAL #4501 with Other Baldwin Centipedes

Collectors can pair #4501 with other Seaboard Air Line Centipede road numbers from this Broadway Limited production run to recreate an even more impressive Baldwin diesel roster. Browse our dedicated HO Scale Baldwin Centipede collection to compare available SAL, PRR and NdeM locomotives.

The distinctive Citrus Scheme also makes #4501 particularly attractive for passenger-oriented Seaboard layouts. Modelers building an appropriate consist can explore our selection of Broadway Limited HO Scale passenger cars.

Built for Operation & Display

The Centipede's exceptional prototype dimensions translate into an equally commanding HO scale model. Broadway Limited specifies a 22-inch minimum operating radius, making layout geometry an important consideration when operating this exceptionally long diesel. The locomotive is compatible with Code 70, Code 83 and Code 100 rail.

Whether operated on a mainline or displayed as part of a Baldwin locomotive collection, the Centipede's massive carbody and unconventional articulated design make it immediately recognizable alongside conventional EMD, ALCO and Baldwin diesel locomotives.

Shop Broadway Limited BLI2509 at Fusion Scale Hobbies

The Broadway Limited BLI2509 HO Scale Seaboard Air Line Baldwin Centipede SAL #4501 combines one of America's most unusual first-generation diesel locomotive designs with the colorful SAL Citrus Scheme and feature-rich Paragon4 DCC/Sound technology.

Whether you're modeling the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, collecting Baldwin Locomotive Works diesels or adding distinctive transition-era motive power to your layout, #4501 delivers an exceptional combination of prototype character, detail, sound and visual presence.

Explore the complete Broadway Limited Imports collection, browse additional in-stock Broadway Limited products, or shop our broader model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.