Trix Big Boy

[Railfan2882]

There has been a lot of hoopla about the new Trix Union Pacific Big Boys put out by Marklin. I would like to know if anybody has purchased one and if its worth the hefty investment? A couple of years ago I purchased a Life-Like Proto 2000 Heritage Steam 2-8-8-2 Norfolk & Western and have very satifisfied with its performance even on my sharp 18" radius curves. Does the engine surpass the my Proto 2000 enough to pay the $500+ price tags that some dealers are putting on it?
Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Railfan2882

[Anonymous]

I am asking myself the same question, it is worth it?

How many loco electrical power wheel pick-ups?
Does the tender have electrical power pick-ups?
Does the loco have traction tires?
Is the warranty just for one year like the Riv?

I believe the proto is for life.

[Anonymous]

This engine is reviewed by Andy in the April 2002 MR,P16-17.As usual with magazine reviews, warranty is not touched upon. rgds/Mike R

[Anonymous]

ADDENDUN:

There's a train.com on-line dealer out of Ventura Ca,DLA thats offering the trix with a pre-installed Lenz EMF decorder for $460.00 + $8 bucks shipping.
In-put please & thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have a Trix Big Boy & think it is worth the money I paid. It is the best running steam engine I have. I also have the Proto 2000 2-8-8-2 which also runs well. The Trix web site has nice pictures and answers most questions you asked.
www.trixtrains.com

[Anonymous]

Does the trix tender have wheel electrical pickups?

[Sperandeo]

My review of the Marklin/Trix Big Boy in the April MODEL RAILROADER answers most of the questions raised here, including an exact description of which wheels on the tender pick up current. I don't say if it's worth the money, because that's a decision individuals must make for themselves. And I didn't get into the warranty, but this is Marklin we're talking about, the oldest model railroad company in the world. They haven't lasted so long without knowing how to keep their customers happy, and I don't think anyone needs to worry.

Have a nice weekend,

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[Anonymous]

Andy,
Again, thanks for the heads up.

[Anonymous]

Andy, I wasn't complaining about lack of mention of any warranty in your review. I only mentioned it because it came up in a previous note in this thread. I don't think any review ever has warranty info, and for a very good reason...regardless of the manufacturers' reputation or intent, warranty comes down to the distributor's approach.For instance, anyone I know who contacted the previous Rivarossi distributor, Model Expo, on a warranty issue,was in for a very 'rough ride'. You would never know Rivarossi was a world leader in model railroading.....regards/Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike, because of the change over in Riv distributors I have asked for the following infor.
1)What the warranties are covering the Riv Steam and
Diesels advertised in the Walthers HO Refernce.
2)What the return procedures are during the warranty period.
3)What the modeler would do once the warranty period has experiod.
4)What about the Riv warranties on engines still sitting on dealer's shelves that are left over from the Modelexpo days.
5)Replacement parts.
6)Has a new authorizied repair vendor been
appointed.

Considering some models go for $400.00 and there's a lot left over from the old days.
I have been burned by steam 7 times and I will NOT
BUY until I get some answers.
It took 46 days for me to get a refund from modelexpo on a failed Mantua.

Will post the answers when I get them.

[Anonymous]

hello everybody,
for reply to some answer about waranty,i think you should know that marklin/trix will delight you as long as you leave!
here in europe,this company has the reputation of making unbreakable trains.
some people still have there 1964! swiss crocodile still running on theire own model railroad as we speak.
but concerning the warranty offered by marklin/trix,you can go to ther website indicated upstairs!
the only difference between the 3 differents models-nmra,nem,marklin-are the wheel/flange differences,that's it.
i'm sure if you buy it,you can pas it to you son,grand son ,and so on.
all the best from ireland
nick

[Railfan2882]

Hey Guys,

Thanx for replying to my question. All of your comments have helped me finally make decision. I will eventually purchase the Trix Big Boy after I save up a little cash, of course, and if I can find it cheaper than retail.

Thanks again
Railfan2882

[Anonymous]

Gregory, Kevin over at the atlas post has a disappointing report on the inability of the trix to climb a 1.5% grade with more than 13 cars.

try him at
kevin

Gregory, Kevin at the Atlas post has a disappointing report on the trix's inability to climb a 1.5% grade with more than 13 cars.

Try him at [e-mail]