MERRY CHRISTMAS:
http://webmail2.cincinnatibell...id=223806&part=2
======
My Christmas present arrived!
NP A-3 4-8-4, gray boiler. The 4-8-4's were called 'Northerns' because NP was the first to have them. Usually, tradition is the first railroad to implement a new wheel arrangement gets to name them. Some southern railroads would never accept 'northern' so they used other names. NP also implemented the first 2-8-8-4 and named them 'Yellowstones'.
videos: 'Road tested' on the mainline to insure all works well.
Skykomish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRMg1bjcuJU
Leaving Hillyard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZV5OjSGzrA
This is the new BLI engine but they had a few in the 'refurb' section at 30% off so I got one. Impressive FEDEX delivery; ordered it last Saturday, it was picked up by FEDEX on Tuesday in Florida and got here on Thursday (Christmas eve) in Ohio ![](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/static/images/graemlins/icon_smile.gif)
This is a brass Hybrid so boiler and tender shell is brass and the running gear is cast, etc.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 01 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 01](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290511/fodoid/152899748768290462/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252001.jpg)
The usual long box where engine and tender are already connected.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 02 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 02](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290512/fodoid/152899748768290463/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252002.jpg)
Again, the usual plastic sleeve with plastic form in foam.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 03 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 03](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290513/fodoid/152899748768290466/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252003.jpg)
Instruction manual, blow up parts list and warranty, which I did online. Got to keep the receipt for any repairs within the one year warranty.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 04 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 04](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290514/fodoid/152899748768290467/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252004.jpg)
Highly detailed and well painted.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 05 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 05](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290515/fodoid/152899748768290468/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252005.jpg)
Nice matt finish.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 06 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 06](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290516/fodoid/152899748768290469/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252006.jpg)
I see I could add some lanyards for the whistle as even the lanyard guides are on the boiler.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 07 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 07](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290517/fodoid/152899748768290470/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252007.jpg)
Pop valves brass. Boiler lagging. Piping painted black. Lots of extra work 'hi lighting' the black parts over the gray boiler.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 08 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 08](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290518/fodoid/152899748768290471/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252008.jpg)
I have this on my 'regular' brass engines but, I think this is a first for a mass produced engines, where the turret covers are functional.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 09 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 09](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290519/fodoid/152899748768290472/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252009.jpg)
In my opinion, I always think the stamped side rods don't look as nice as the 'regular' brass engine's side rods.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 10 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 10](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290520/fodoid/152899748768290474/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252010.jpg)
More nice detail. Even painted the handles red.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 11 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 11](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290521/fodoid/152899748768290478/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252011.jpg)
Full cab detail, crew, lighted and cab curtains. Also a deck plate plus close to scale distance from engine to tender.
MMM: need to clean my camera lens, again!
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 12 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 12](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290522/fodoid/152899748768290479/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252012.jpg)
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 13 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 13](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290523/fodoid/152899748768290483/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252013.jpg)
I think this is, also, another first: sanding pipes next to the drivers.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 14 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 14](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290524/fodoid/152899748768290484/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252014.jpg)
Full brake rigging. The usual back drivers with traction tires.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 30 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 30](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290525/fodoid/152899748768290485/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252030.jpg)
Wish the leading and trailing truck frames were metal versus plastic.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 31 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 31](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290526/fodoid/152899748768290486/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252031.jpg)
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 32 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 32](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290527/fodoid/152899748768290487/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252032.jpg)
Tender contacts.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 33 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 33](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290530/fodoid/152899748768290490/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252033.jpg)
Bottom of boiler has on/off switch for the smoke as the heating unit can get damaged if smoke unit is run without fluid. Personally, I like the 'Lionel' look with smoke. I'm partial to the cinnamon smell!
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 34 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 34](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290531/fodoid/152899748768290491/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252034.jpg)
Well detailed tender.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 15 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 15](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290533/fodoid/152899748768290492/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252015.jpg)
Real coal load.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 16 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 16](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290534/fodoid/152899748768290493/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252016.jpg)
Functional headlight and marker lights.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 17 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 17](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290535/fodoid/152899748768290494/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252017.jpg)
I was debating on buying the Fujiyama NP A-3 made back in the 70's. They 'run' around 5 C notes but for another 70 bucks, I could get an A-3 painted, lighted and a decoder, plus smoke, so a 'no brainer'.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 fuji 02 NP A-3 4-8-4 fuji 02](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290536/fodoid/152899748768290495/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520fuji%252002.jpg)
The A-3 completes all classes that I wanted for the NP: Here is the A, A-2 and A-4. I lucked out when the only engine left that I needed was an A-3 and BLI produced it.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 18 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 18](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290537/fodoid/152899748768290496/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252018.jpg)
And their last class: the A-5. The A is by Key, The A-2 by Overland and Oriental Limited made the A-4 and A-5. These were all made back in the late 70's and 80's. I have painted all of them but have not installed decoders, yet, in the A, A-2 and A-4. The A-5 'heads up' an NP passenger train.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 19 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 19](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290538/fodoid/152899748768290497/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252019.jpg)
Used Decoderpro and SPROG to update the engines decoder.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 20 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 20](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290539/fodoid/152899748768290498/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252020.jpg)
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 21 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 21](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290540/fodoid/152899748768290499/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252021.jpg)
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 22 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 22](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290541/fodoid/152899748768290500/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252022.jpg)
Tested the engine on the programming track to insure everything is working.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 23 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 23](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290543/fodoid/152899748768290501/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252023.jpg)
Smokes well ![](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/static/images/graemlins/icon_smile.gif)
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 24 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 24](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290544/fodoid/152899748768290502/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252024.jpg)
Wilmar.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 25 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 25](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290545/fodoid/152899748768290503/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252025.jpg)
All cabeese need lights so the signaling system works properly to know when a train has left a 'block'.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 26 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 26](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290547/fodoid/152899748768290504/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252026.jpg)
Chumstick canyon trestle.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 27 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 27](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290548/fodoid/152899748768290505/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252027.jpg)
Nice builder plates. Headlight works but marker lights and number boards are not lighted.
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 28 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 28](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290549/fodoid/152899748768290506/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252028.jpg)
Skykomish
![NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 29 NP A-3 4-8-4 BLI 2020 29](https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/52675072055094753/filePointer/152899748768290550/fodoid/152899748768290507/imageType/MEDIUM/inlineImage/true/NP%2520A-3%25204-8-4%2520BLI%25202020%252029.jpg)