SKU: BLI-10151-PRE

PREORDER Broadway Limited Imports HO 10151 New Haven R3a 4-8-2, 3560, 1928 - 1939 Appearance, Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC, Smoke

10% down: $76.50
Our Price: $764.99
MSRP: $899.99

Note: You will reserve this item today for a 10% down payment of $76.50. Approximately 30-45 days before your item is expected at the warehouse, we will invoice you $688.49 plus shipping and any applicable taxes.

How Preorders Work

Expected release date is Nov 30, 2027


Quantity


30-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Description

Broadway Limited Imports proudly introduces the

New Haven R3a Mountain, the next release in our premium

Brass-Hybrid steam locomotive lineup. Powerful, distinctive, and

unlike anything else on the rails, the R3a represents one of the most fascinating

and visually striking steam designs of the eastern United States.

This all-new, newly tooled model combines

museum-quality brass construction with modern operating

performance, capturing the unmistakable character of New Haven steam at its peak.

With its bold proportions and highly distinctive front-end design, the R3a stands

out immediately—whether leading a passenger consist or displayed as a centerpiece

locomotive.

Brass-Hybrid Construction — Built to Perform

Each R3a Mountain features:

  • Hand-crafted brass boiler and tender
  • Heavy die-cast chassis for serious pulling power

  • Excellent weight distribution and smooth operation—the result is a locomotive

    that looks refined and mechanical, yet delivers the strength expected of a true

    Mountain-type engine.

    • Road-Specific Detail & Multiple Road Numbers

      This first production run includes multiple road numbers, each

      rendered with era-appropriate and road-specific detailing. Careful attention has

      been paid to the R3a’s unique external features—especially the distinctive

      front-end appliances and proportions that set it apart from more common 4-8-2

      designs.

      Even for modelers without a New Haven–specific layout, the R3a offers a rare

      opportunity to roster a steam locomotive that is

      visually compelling, historically important, and seldom modeled in HO

      scale.

      Electronics Options

      Models are available in two configurations:

  • Paragon4 Sound DC/DCC

    Advanced motor control, synchronized sound, and full DCC functionality.

  • Stealth Series (No Sound, DCC-Ready)

    Factory-installed speaker and 21-pin DCC interface for easy,

    plug-and-play decoder installation.

    • Why This Model Is Special

      The New Haven R3a is not just another Mountain—it is a bold engineering experiment,

      a distinctive regional design, and a locomotive rarely seen in model form. For

      collectors, it offers uniqueness and craftsmanship. For operators, it delivers

      presence, power, and smooth performance. And for steam enthusiasts, it represents a

      fascinating “what might have been” chapter in American locomotive development.

      About the Prototype

      The R3a class was developed from earlier New Haven Mountain designs and stands apart

      for one remarkable reason:

      it employed a three-cylinder configuration, rather than the more

      common two-cylinder arrangement.

      This design offered several advantages, including

      greater pulling power, quicker acceleration, and smoother operation,

      particularly at speed. As a result, the R3a locomotives became the

      largest and heaviest steam locomotives ever rostered by the New York, New Haven

      and Hartford Railroad

      —a significant milestone in the railroad’s steam-era evolution.

      The third cylinder, however, was difficult to access and maintain. While other

      railroads that experimented with three-cylinder locomotives later simplified their

      designs, the New Haven—constrained by financial realities—never made this

      modification. The R3a therefore remained a rare and uncompromising expression of

      steam-era ambition until the end of New Haven steam operations.

      Industry-Leading Model Features

  • ALL-NEW Paragon4 Sound & Control System
  • Synchronized puffing smoke with chuff sound
  • Variable puffing smoke intensity and timing
  • Integral DCC decoder with Back EMF for superior slow-speed operation
  • Precision drive mechanism for heavy load towing
  • 5-pole can motor with skew-wound armature
  • Handcrafted brass boiler, cab, and tender with heavy die-cast chassis
  • Premium paint with authentic prototype schemes
  • Separately controllable headlight, cab light, and rear emergency light
  • Factory-installed engineer and fireman figures
  • Extensive separately applied detail parts
  • Rubber traction tires for increased pulling power
  • Recommended minimum radius: 18 inches
    • Paragon4 Sound & Control System Features

  • Operates in DC and DCC with improved DC speed control
  • Built-in capacitor pack for reliable electrical pickup
  • Capacitor automatically disabled on program track
  • Pro Lighting Mode for individual light control
  • Switcher Mode for precise low-speed operation
  • Record & Play operation for automated movement and sound
  • High-resolution audio
  • Quillable whistle with variable patterns
  • Multiple selectable whistles or horns (where applicable)
  • Adjustable bell timing
  • User-mappable function keys
  • Johnson bar sound on direction change
  • Passenger and crew sound effects
  • Automatic grade crossing signals
  • Forward and reverse whistle logic
  • Load-sensitive chuff intensity
  • Individually adjustable sound volumes
  • EZ Reset button for factory default settings
    • Specifications subject to change.

Preorders: Frequently Asked Questions

What is preordering and why would I want to do that?

In the model railroading world, most products are made in limited runs. Manufacturers no longer produce large quantities to sit in warehouses. Instead, they announce new items and set a preorder deadline. After that date, production is based largely on the number of reservations received.

Preordering through Model Train Stuff guarantees your spot in line for these limited releases. When the products arrive, orders are filled in the order they were placed. The earlier you preorder, the better your chance of getting your items, even if there are shipping delays or shortfalls from the manufacturer.

Preordering is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Preordering is available on any item with the word "Preorder" as the first word in the product title.
  2. We will email your invoice approximately 30-45 days before your preorder items land at the warehouse. With the interactive invoice you can select your preferred shipping method and pay the balance of your order right online!
  3. We'll ship you your preorder once your invoice is paid online. 

How can I place a preorder?

To place a preorder, simply look for items marked with "PREORDER" in their title on our website. Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll be required to pay a 10% non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation.

When will I be charged for my preorder?

You'll be charged a 10% deposit at the time of placing your preorder. The remaining balance, along with any applicable sales tax and shipping charges, will be due when the item is ready to be shipped. We'll notify you via email with a link to complete your payment.

Can I cancel my preorder?

Preorders can be canceled, but please note that the 10% deposit is non-refundable and will not be credited to store credit, as it goes toward covering the cost of the uncollected reservation.

When will my preorder ship?

The estimated shipping date for each preorder item is listed on the product page. We'll also keep you updated via email if there are any changes to the shipping schedule. Once your final payment is received, your item will be shipped according to your selected shipping method.

What happens if a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer?

In the rare event that a preorder item is delayed or canceled by the manufacturer, we'll notify you as soon as possible. You can choose to wait for the item, apply your deposit to a different item, or request a refund or store credit for your deposit.

How do I check the status of my preorder?

You can check the status of your preorder by logging into your account on our website and viewing your order history. We'll also keep you updated via email with any important information regarding your preorder.

What if I have more questions about preordering?

If you have any further questions about preordering, feel free to contact our customer service team. We're here to help you with any inquiries you may have.