Heritagefleet1 trainsBuddy: I also like Trix engine a lot, but Trix Big Boy commands a huge chunk of change and is sold out at most dealers. I've read the other posts and at the risk of offending some readers, I can't agree on the trix as being the BEST model. The Trix engine has been around for a long time and for what you get, it is way over-priced, compared to the competition. The Athearn Big Boy is probably the best in terms of cost per value, but the Tsunami sound falls a little short for Tsunami and is not as good as I had hoped for. I have an Athearn Big Boy with the MRC sound- I gutted that and installed a Tsunami but it never has been quite what I wanted. The MTH model, just recently released, is a upgraded re-tool of the old PCM Big Boy but with a quantum leap imporvement in the sound and motor department. It also has some improvements in detail. It is pricey, but at 479.00 I've decided it was the best choice for the money - I sold my Blue Line to pay for the MTH version - decidedly a very good decision. for about $25 difference , I upgraded to a better detailed, far better running, and far superior sound equipped locomotive. I've been so pleased with the engine that I went ahead and bought a second one so I could park the 1st under the display case on my fireplace mantel where the other once was displayed. I don't expect anyone to buy multiple engines, but before you buy any, I'd give this a once-over. if you really want the best value and model, the MTH Big Boy is a winner in my book. HeritageFleet1
trainsBuddy: I also like Trix engine a lot, but Trix Big Boy commands a huge chunk of change and is sold out at most dealers.
I also like Trix engine a lot, but Trix Big Boy commands a huge chunk of change and is sold out at most dealers.
I've read the other posts and at the risk of offending some readers, I can't agree on the trix as being the BEST model.
The Trix engine has been around for a long time and for what you get, it is way over-priced, compared to the competition.
The Athearn Big Boy is probably the best in terms of cost per value, but the Tsunami sound falls a little short for Tsunami and is not as good as I had hoped for. I have an Athearn Big Boy with the MRC sound- I gutted that and installed a Tsunami but it never has been quite what I wanted.
The MTH model, just recently released, is a upgraded re-tool of the old PCM Big Boy but with a quantum leap imporvement in the sound and motor department. It also has some improvements in detail.
It is pricey, but at 479.00 I've decided it was the best choice for the money - I sold my Blue Line to pay for the MTH version - decidedly a very good decision. for about $25 difference , I upgraded to a better detailed, far better running, and far superior sound equipped locomotive.
I've been so pleased with the engine that I went ahead and bought a second one so I could park the 1st under the display case on my fireplace mantel where the other once was displayed.
I don't expect anyone to buy multiple engines, but before you buy any, I'd give this a once-over.
if you really want the best value and model, the MTH Big Boy is a winner in my book.
HeritageFleet1
I am curious about the whistle on the MTH Big Boy. After watching the video, they only blow the whistle for the back up motion and it sounded lame to me on that video. Do you consider the MTH BB whistle to be good on your locomotive?
it could be the three shorts for backing up which are programmed into a function, do not represent the regular whistle for a long blast.
Thanks'CZ
CZ...
Hey, you know... I noticed that on their website too...usually, they sound the whistle so you can hear it. On the other hand, that locomotive barely fits on that little circle of track anyway - I don't know why they didn't play the whistle.
ANYWAY... to answer your question, yes...I'm very satisfied with the sound of that whistle -on par with the 16 bit fully digital sound recording I've come to expect from MTH. The endings are different depending on the length of time you play it and the grade crossing signal(F12) is particularly awsome!
Apparently , whoever the sound engineers are that re-recorded and re-mixed the sounds for this know what they are doing. The back-up signal has two short consecutive toots followed by a shorter fade on the 'rope'.
I would be very disappointed had it been anything less than what the Challenger whistle offers, which is recorded from the actual 3985.
Really terrific sound.
No synthesizer here .
HeritageFleet1 said
"The MTH model, just recently released, is a upgraded re-tool of the old PCM Big Boy but with a quantum leap imporvement in the sound and motor department. It also has some improvements in detail."
Them there are fighting words Heretic Fleet 1. Far as added detail, I have not seen a MTH version so I can not say if it is better than my PCM or not. But I fine it hard to believe there motor or control of the motor is better than my PCM. Out of the box, it moved at 1% power with no CV tinkering. Sound is very robust with a deep whistle. I installed the Loksound 3.5, and the sound files where loaded by Ulrich Model's, but as far as I know they are the PCM sound files.
I have to agree with C Z, the MTH whistle sounded weak in the knee's if you ask me.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
The couple of MTH steamers I have are great, but expensive, runners. They use canon motors and will creep at 1smph. The boilers are also cast so they have that extra weight needed for good traction.
If the Big Boys are made with the same features, they'll be hard to beat.
Springfield PA
cudaken HeritageFleet1 said "The MTH model, just recently released, is a upgraded re-tool of the old PCM Big Boy but with a quantum leap imporvement in the sound and motor department. It also has some improvements in detail." Them there are fighting words Heretic Fleet 1. Far as added detail, I have not seen a MTH version so I can not say if it is better than my PCM or not. But I fine it hard to believe there motor or control of the motor is better than my PCM. Out of the box, it moved at 1% power with no CV tinkering. Sound is very robust with a deep whistle. I installed the Loksound 3.5, and the sound files where loaded by Ulrich Model's, but as far as I know they are the PCM sound files. I have to agree with C Z, the MTH whistle sounded weak in the knee's if you ask me. Cuda Ken
So is the 4449's. I'll look into the others, but 49's is almost an octive tooo high. Yeah, the real one COULD hit that note, but it ain't common. Speaker to sound is good, I'll give them that. And for the chuff (when it continues to the airhoren sounds too much like a recording, I'd expect that kind of airhorm to come from a communit thetre sound stage.
Also, if you look at MTH,, yo need to be aware of one possible problem. MTH uses a chip called DCS. It says it's DCC compatible, and for the most part is. But it's a bit like international DVD players, they all play DVDs, but some of them don't like others. The issue, is that DCS sits on a DC layout and goes "Okay, I'm on DC. I'm Happy" It then gets transplanted to a DCC layout, and goes "Huh? This isn't my DC? Where am I?" It'll run, but, andf this is getting better with every release, engines can stopp responding, take off randomly fulltilt boogie, or just stop dead. In which case, it needs to be tipped so that as much of every powering wheelset is off the rail, but you have a guide edge to put it back on without hassle.
I've had to do it about 3 times a night when the Club Pres brings his 4449, but the EMD models that I've seen don't have this problem much. Once maybe. So it may be finally nipped, but I still pass the warning along.
-Morgan
Cuda... I appreciate your position, as I, too... have owned the PCM model and the later Blue Line version as well. Since I've either owned both or have both, I'm qualified to make the following determination based on both my own listening observation, and those many who have also heard the comparision.
You simply cannot beat full 16 bit digital - but someday, they'll have 64 bit sound audio and my MTH will probably sound like crap compared to it... but I don't care because I'll probably be deaf by then - or too old to give a rat's #@!
Lets keep this in perspective. When the PCM came out (what, 6-7 yrs ago?) it utilized the LokSound 2.0, as did most PCM at the time...and it was the best available at that time, IMHO. The Blue line was not bad but didn't hit par - it was a BlueLine for crying out loud, and I didn't make a big deal about it since I bought it primarily for display under glass.
The advances made in audio technology through digital re-mixing, have made the stuff that MTH is programming into their locomotives really push the envelope in terms of sound quality.
The Tsunami is the only other thing that is coming close.
Having just run this at a recent show, there were a ton of people who stopped and were very impressed with the sound and operation of the engine.
So, I wouldn't judge any product by what I hear on the website - nothing does it justice like hearing it in person.
The sound quality was primarily the reason for selling of my others to get this one - I knew the sound would be superb.
Anyway...no fighting from me, my friend - its all in how you interpret things - that's what makes the hobby so great.
Glad to hear from you again...have fun model railroading!
Flashwave...
I don't follow you about the DCS on your club layout? we've(our club members) have been running these on the layout for years now on a DCC command system, without any problems...can you clarify your statement/ concern?
Thanks in advance...
Heritage Fleet 1 said
"Lets keep this in perspective. When the PCM came out (what, 6-7 yrs ago?) it utilized the LokSound 2.0, as did most PCM at the time...and it was the best available at that time, IMHO."
So they came with the Loksound 2.0, that might be why my sounds and runs so good. When I bought mine it was with out sound. Then Terry From Texas (member of the site) bought a H 8 and did not like the sound. He gave me the Loksound 3.5, I sent it to Ulrich Models to have the Big Boy Files down loaded into the decoder. He all so sent me the POS speaker that was in the H 8. I bought the stock speakers the Big Boy came with.
Far as the Tsunami, friend of mine, all so a member of the site brought over his Big Boy with the Tsunami decoder installed. It was no contest, the Loksound 3.5 Blew it away, Simon (owner of the Tsunami Big Boy engine) was blown away with the sound of mine.
Can you post a video of your MTH Big Boy? I will do the same if you can.
To bad you live so far away, I would love to see and hear it in person. This is all so not my first Big Boy, it is my third and best so far.
Sure... I'm still at the office but I can probably create some shots and try to get them posted on here this evening - I may have to file these on photobucket first then transfer the file- If I recall correctly.
Just keep watching the post - I'll get something on here for you.
Okay, here are some shots of the Big Boy from MTH release:UPBIGBOY4017008
Very nice model indeed, but then again all Big Boy HO models from Trix to Athearn look good to me in a pictures. Do you mind telling me where did you get such a fine HO display case, and is it an eye patch I seen on the engineer? :)
Trainsbuddy...
I purchased that particular display from a MRR hobby shop in Cinncinati, OH a few years back on my way back home from Pittsburgh, PA ...I don't remember the name of the company but they are handmade and custom tailored to the loco you want. This one was about 45.00.
Sorry, the name of the Shop escapes me too.
It is a very nice looking locomotive, HF. I enjoy my Lionel HO version of the Challenger very much, although I know they had some issues now and then. The LHS selling mine agreed to have a serious look at it before they shipped it out to me, and I have not been disappointed. However, I have admitted on threads here over the years that I find it to be among the least detailed of engines retailing in the $500 range. Compared to what is prevalent nowadays across the board in engines with MRSP's around $150, straight DC, I would assign a rating of about C+ on the Lionel Challenger.
-Crandell
I have a trix big boy, could you give me some information on about converting the tender coupler with a kadee coupler. Which model coupler and modifications?
Very much appreciated.
Rocket_Chief_Zephyr_Daylight_ Which model coupler and modifications?
I see the Kadee site recommends an 18. I presume they are a straight swap.
http://www.kadee.com/conv/hocc_marklin_trix.htm
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
The Trix Big Boy (and, of course, the Marklin equivalent) has a NEM coupler pocket, so converting it is just a matter of pulling out the old coupler and pushing in the # 18 Kadee coupler.
Pluck & Play
trainsBuddy ...is it an eye patch I seen on the engineer? :)
...is it an eye patch I seen on the engineer? :)
Alton Junction
Of course after all this - anyone catch the sneak peak at the new BB from BLI? It will have two smoke generators, one for the stack and one that blows steam from the whistle when you blow it. Finally, a use for the white "smoke" where it actually makes sense. And it has a coal load that appears to be used up as the loco runs. They talk a little about it at the end of the Y6B video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpp9mpqQnj4
As if there aren't enough Big Boys already. Have we had more model releases than actual prototypes yet?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker As if there aren't enough Big Boys already. Have we had more model releases than actual prototypes yet? --Randy
No...but I think we're getting pretty close to it, Randy.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Have the new MTH Big boy on order due in December, #4014 with oil tender And all passenger cars.
I am all ready for 2019 when UP is supposed to have 4014 running in excursion service, we shall see.
Rocket_Chief_Zephyr_Daylight_ Which model coupler and modifications? I see the Kadee site recommends an 18. I presume they are a straight swap. http://www.kadee.com/conv/hocc_marklin_trix.htm Cheers, the Bear.
Oh yes, the PCM sound models have Loksound 3.5, not 2.0. The original Trix sound version migth have a 2.0.
I have a Rivarossi Big Boy. It hasn't run in 15 years. When it did run it was the most disappointing locomotive I have ever owned. ( rubber bands on the drivers?? )
I renamed it to Junk Boy. My first, last, and only Rivarossi locomotive.
South Penn
Surely this couldn't have been the only loco you had with traction tires. Nearly everything had them in the 70's, except for brass and Athearn diesels (didn't need rubber tires with the rough sintered iron wheels) and a few specialties.
I had several Rivarossi locos over the years, no Big Boy though, and they all were smooth runners. Mostly the old timers, plus the NYC streamlined Hudson. Don;t run them now, only because the flanges are too deep to work well with code 83 track.
I just recieved my new Genesis Big Boy w/DCC,sound (Tsunami) and weathered. I have had 4 Rivarrossi BB's, 2 old ones with deep flanges (sold both) and 2 of the newer ones with RP25 flanges and can motors. I still have one of the Rivarrossi's that I added a Tsunami sound decoder to and it is very smooth running and sounds great. The new Genesis BB is far superior in detail, operating smoothness and about the same in sound comparison to the Rivarossi. I actually have a slightly better sound in my Rivarossi as far as acoustics go; I don't understand why? I would have expected the Genesis sound to be better but is doesn't have the deep base of the one I installed. I haven't adjusted any of the CV's on the Genesis yet so maybe that will help a little?
I also have the Genesis Challenger which is just as well detailed as the Big Boy. I am gradually (as I can raise the funds!) replacing all my cheaper engines with newer versions from other manufacturers. I replaced my older Rivarossi Y6B and Berkshire with Proto versions, some with sound and some I added sound to. There is quite a difference in running qualities among these locos/manufactures and the added cost (and wait for $$$) is well worth it.
Big Boy locos are just fascinating to watch and my layout has large curves so they don't look too bad either. BTW, I model the NYC but just have to have these giants in my stable! My railroad, my rules!
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
My paragon 3 big boy should be here tuesday so i will see if it runs as well
as all the others, i have the blueline BIG BOY i love it so it stands to reason
i will love this one