it seems buyers of HO BIG BOYS will get another chance. MTH just announced a new run of big boys including 4014 with oil tender. These are uncataloged.
When the real one is up and running MTH will record the sounds and you can then download those sounds into your 2015 big boy. In the mean time the sounds that come with it I believe are the challenger sound set.
Delivery is set for December 2015
Big Boy not fit in subway tunnel. Even old Forneys never went into tunnel except during construction phase of oldest IRT line.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
I frequent several other forums on a daily basis. When the last MTH BB came out, maybe in 2012 or so, it was quite problematic for many people who complained about their units. Many were returned. I don't know much about the nature of their complaints, but I was quite surprised because so few other complaints came up on MTH steamers at the time. I hope they fixed the problem(s).
I've always been amused by the expression, "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle," coined by Irina Dunn and popularized by Gloria Steinem. Gender politics and humor aside, this thread reminded me of that quote. If anybody asked me what this hobby needs most, another HO Big Boy would not be at the top of my list. But that's just me.
Tom
You guys may not need or want a big boy but our group and myself have preordered the great engine. My favorite of all time. 9 have been ordered so far from just our small group.
Btw, the way UP is going we may never see the real one running for many, many years. The management of the UP steam operations is in chaos. I hope I live that long to see it run but in the mean time I'll have 4014 in model form.
DARN! Another Pig Boy. I was really hoping for another F-7 or USRA Mike or Pacific! Sure wish we could get some of those OTHER engines we all seem to ask for all the time.
Roger Huber
Deer Creek Locomotive Works
Another Big Boy...uh huh...ho hum.
The market is flooded with Big Boys like it is with SD40-2's, F7's, PRR K4's, etc. Consider this. How about the DMIR 2-8-8-4, D&H challenger, the WM and Clinchfeild challengers, they are all nearly forgotten big power. Made on some occasions in brass. Even smaller locomotives used by smaller roads that haven't made it famous like the Big Boy.
As for 4014...if it gets restored to operation within my lifetime, I might catch it running through the Truckee River canyon along I80 near Reno.
I'm banking on C&O 1309 running far sooner, and I will travel to the WMSRR to see it run.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Mommas don't let your babies grow up to make Big Boys.
Don't let 'em repeat what's already been done, but make sure they bring something new under the sun.......
Here's the deal: Big Boys (obvously) sell. Would a DMIR 2-8-8-4 or a D&H 4-6-6-4 outsell yet another Big Boy run? And not just in one run, but in multiple runs? I"m thinking no. Sure, you might sell out one run of an engine, but that just pays for the tooling costs for the most part. The money comes from selling the 2nd run and beyond.
For all those clamoring for smaller steam like a Pacific, why not put your money down on the brand new BLI NH I-4 4-6-2 that's due out at the end of this month? Sure, it's a hybrid and it's $699 MSRP, but it's a cool looking engine with all kinds of external piping and boilertop air tanks in 4 variations (plus the option of either a 12-wheel square tender or a 12-wheel Vandy). And it's not a Big Boy.
Paul A. Cutler III
crhostler61 like it is with SD40-2's, F7's,
like it is with SD40-2's, F7's,
The market is flooded with those two because reality is/was flooded with them.
They built like 4000 SD40-2s and practically everyone owned them. I think the only thing they ever built more of was GP9s. The three most common EMDs were the GP9, SD40-2, and F7, in that order. If anything, the market SHOULD be flooded with them!
Wow, a Big Boy in HO! No one's done that before!
I'm happy with my old Rivarossi. Maybe it doesn't look or run as well as the Athearn, BLI/PFM, or Trix models, but it's good enough for me!
_________________________________________________________________
ndbprrWell as usual there is a hook. WHEN the sound becomes available you can download it. So how many will still be running then? In the meantime shouldn't the adoring sycophants be starting to chime in? Won't one if the other decoder manufacturers provide that also or will they be sued?
The sound set they and anybody else have used is the challenger sound set beings it was running And available to record.
Paul3 Here's the deal: Big Boys (obvously) sell. Would a DMIR 2-8-8-4 or a D&H 4-6-6-4 outsell yet another Big Boy run? And not just in one run, but in multiple runs? I"m thinking no. Sure, you might sell out one run of an engine, but that just pays for the tooling costs for the most part. The money comes from selling the 2nd run and beyond. For all those clamoring for smaller steam like a Pacific, why not put your money down on the brand new BLI NH I-4 4-6-2 that's due out at the end of this month? Sure, it's a hybrid and it's $699 MSRP, but it's a cool looking engine with all kinds of external piping and boilertop air tanks in 4 variations (plus the option of either a 12-wheel square tender or a 12-wheel Vandy). And it's not a Big Boy. Paul A. Cutler III
Why they continue to sell is the amazing part. Surely by now enough have been produced for every UP modeler to have all 25 and every "collector" to have three or four?
Not being a collector, if it did not run on the B&O, C&O, or WM, or it does not suit the theme of the ATLANTIC CENTRAL, it does not run here.
If the BLI I-5 or I-4 came in a DCC ready version, I would be all in, even at $600.
They would look good lettered ATLANTIC CENTRAL.
So maybe if I find a deal........I will gut the sound.......
Sheldon
Big Boy models became very popular these days.I've seen three announcements for last few weeks.
1. BLihttp://www.broadway-limited.com/paragon3upbigboy4-8-8-4.aspx
2. MTHhttp://www.mthtrains.com/sites/default/files/catalog_files/Brochures/HO/2015_HO_BigBoy/index.htmlIt will come also with special passenger set.
3. Glacier Park Models http://www.brasstrains.com/NewBrass/Product/Detail/062271/HO-Brass-Train-Glacier-Park-Models-UP-Big-Boy-4-8-8-4-4024-Last-Delivered-version-Dual-Mode-DCC-and-LokSound
Is seems that there is a huge demand on BB models.
Train World has 3 rail Lionel Big Boys in stock and is taking orders for the MTH 3 rail Big Boys.
Apparently they're like potato chips - you can't just eat one.....or two.....you have to have the whole bag.
Enjoy
Paul
As I see it the problem most have is there were a total...total of 25 big boys built.
since the late 60s early 70s literally thousands upon thousands of models of this locomotive have been made,to the point that some of us feel frustrated that other wheel arrangements that we might be interested in are ignored to satisfy the the U.P/BB factions.
ok I'll give you it's a handsome looking engine but come on it wasn't the biggest it wasn't the Most powerful .......what's the hook!! lol
Burlington Steam As I see it the problem most have is there were a total...total of 25 big boys built. since the late 60s early 70s literally thousands upon thousands of models of this locomotive have been made,to the point that some of us feel frustrated that other wheel arrangements that we might be interested in are ignored to satisfy the the U.P/BB factions. ok I'll give you it's a handsome looking engine but come on it wasn't the biggest it wasn't the Most powerful .......what's the hook!! lol
Heh, just figured it out.
it 6 letters ....a name a 6 year old can relate to. Lol
DAVID FORTNEY Burlington Steam As I see it the problem most have is there were a total...total of 25 big boys built. since the late 60s early 70s literally thousands upon thousands of models of this locomotive have been made,to the point that some of us feel frustrated that other wheel arrangements that we might be interested in are ignored to satisfy the the U.P/BB factions. ok I'll give you it's a handsome looking engine but come on it wasn't the biggest it wasn't the Most powerful .......what's the hook!! lol The hook, the hook, IT's A BIG BOY, nothing else to say.
The hook, the hook, IT's A BIG BOY, nothing else to say.
As Patrick Swayze said in "Road House", opinions vary.
I've seen a Big Boy in person, and personally the C&O Allegheny is much more impressive - and more powerful.........
Here is a thought for you - the Allegheny could have likely done the job of a Big Boy, but a Big Boy likely could not have done the Allegheny's job.
The Allegheny was both more nimble and more powerful, although it did require better/heavier trackage.
Model trains is a rich and diverse hobby, full of people with a wide cross section of interests. To assume that EVERYONE is interested in or enamored by the UP Big Boy would be to not understand the complex nature of this hobby.
I understand why many people like Big Boys, the funny thing is that most of those people seem don't understand why myself and others are indifferent about them.
If sarcasm translated well in written words, I would just say "they had trains west of the Mississsippi?", but my point would likely be missed.
Some people are interested in model trains in a "general" sort of way - that's fine.
Some are more focused, my focus does not include the Union Pacific..........
In the case of the BLI Big Boy being re-released, it looks like it is mainly as part of BLI's push to make all of their locomotives available with their Paragon 3 sound, the one that works with their new Rolling Thunder sub-woofer.
The only locomotives I can think of that they've released in the past that don't have re-releases with Paragon 3 sound scheduled yet are the NW2/SW7, the Pennsy Q2, the E-units (a run of which just came in with Paragon 2 sound), the unshrouded Hudsons, and the SW1500.
The trackmobile and the Plymouth switcher have not been offered with sound, so I won't count those.
They haven't announced one, but the thought of a Paragon 3 cattle car strikes me as funny.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
Have to agree Sheldon,have quite a few articulateds and none are BBs though I did somehow get lucky and obtained a pair of Alleghenys lol ,a brass Key and a late issued Rivarossi, both sport Tsunami DCC & sound. And are excellent runners.
Can't you guys just be excited for us guys who like big boys Or other things?
It seems there is allot of people on this board that just can't wait to post negative posts. Why can't people be more positive and just be happy what somebody is doing whether you like it or not.
It's fine to disagree but the snide remarks are going to far. Btw this not the only post I have seen negative responses, far too many IMO.
Not sure I'll continue posting in the future.
The negative comments are just the 'voice of experience' being heard. A few years ago somebody came out with a UP Challenger, so everybody had to make one. I believe at one point, five companies made HO models of UP Challengers! It's frustrating when you've been in HO for 20-30-40 years and wishing a certain engine would be produced in something other than mortgage-breaking brass, when the same "usual suspect" engines (UP Challenger, Big Boy and 4-8-4, N&W J, NYC Hudson) keep being made over and over again by manufacturers.
Positive comments? OK. How's this?
I'm glad BLI is going to produce the T&P 2-10-4. It's an iconic loco that has only been produced in brass previously, and will be very popular with a lot of people.
I'm glad BLI is going to produce the G.N. S-2 4-8-4. Another one that has only been produced in brass and will be very popular.
I'm very glad BLI has recently re-released the USRA 2-8-2's, both heavy and light. UP only had 25 Big Boys, but they had 40 USRA light 2-8-2's (20 UP and 20 on the subsidiary Oregon Short Line). B&O had 100 lights, and NKP had a bunch of lights, plus post-USRA copies. NYC and subsidiaries had 195 lights, and the NYC's P&LE and McK&Y subsidiaries had 20 more heavies. G.N. and MILW and CMO and Erie and WLE (NKP) and CNJ had heavy Mikes, and so did CB&Q and subsidiaries. Light and heavy copies abounded on Southern and L&N. Added bonus: If you shop around, you might get two Mikes for the price of one Big Boy.
So YES. There are things to celebrate. And I, for one, am truly happy to say that the glass is at least half full, and maybe much more than half.
For those who still want a Big Boy, Have at it!
P.S. I don't want to single out BLI as if they're the only company that is responsive to modelers' needs. Indeed, BLI has a BB in their line, and MTH does produce other things.
DAVID FORTNEY Can't you guys just be excited for us guys who like big boys Or other things? It seems there is allot of people on this board that just can't wait to post negative posts. Why can't people be more positive and just be happy what somebody is doing whether you like it or not. It's fine to disagree but the snide remarks are going to far. Btw this not the only post I have seen negative responses, far too many IMO. Not sure I'll continue posting in the future.
The problem with Big Boys (and a few other locos I could mention) is that they long ago became hobby cliches. Almost everyone's done them. It's duplicate effort and a waste of limited resources that could be used to make other models. It's gotten so bad it's the hobby equivalent of virtually very auto maker in the world doing their own version of the Ford Mustang.
Why should I be happy that a new BB is being released? In the 50 or so years since Rivarossi first announced their plastic version, I have never once entertained the idea of purchasing, stealing, or having one given to me as a gift. I have no objection to somebody producing a Big Boy, but when it appears that almost no manufacturer/importer can resist the temptation to produce one, it's long past time to call a penalty on the play.
To quote Hawkeye Pierce from a long ago episode of MASH, "We want something else! We want something else!"
Like, say, oh I don't know, maybe a Harriman light Pacific or (dare I say it?) even a 1050 class ATSF 2-6-2?
Andre
BroadwayLion Big Boy not fit in subway tunnel. Even old Forneys never went into tunnel except during construction phase of oldest IRT line. ROAR
You have to admit, standing on the platform and seeing a big boy charge out of the tunnel would be quite an experience!
You totally misunderstand us Dave ,were not upset that you want a big boy or another big boy,buy as many as your heart desires,we're just kinda bummed that the manufacturers are again in all their infinite wisdom are making them as if there were no other choices out there.
i once came across a post with pictures of a fellow who had collected 40 or 50 U.P big boys and challengers ........happy as a clam was he lol,me' just smiled and shook my head,but hey it was his money and he was happy.
so by all means enjoy your big boys you paid for'em
David,
It's not about being negative towards you or your interests, but it is a big frustration with the manufacturers.
Here is what I know about you from your recent posts - you are older than me, I'm 58, you like onboard sound, you don't follow any one prototype or era real closely, you are not into prototype operation.
Respectfully, that makes you a somewhat "casual" model railroader, and likely a bit of a collector, and that's fine.
I worked in hobby shops when I was younger, and respect all aspects of, and approaches to the hobby.
I was introduced to model trains at a very young age, my father built me a very high quality HO layout when I was only 11/12, and handed ownership to me shortly after. At age 14 I was the only youth member of the Severna Park Model Railroad Club (well published in MR over the years), as they did not generally accept young members without an adult. At that age I was hand laying track, building craftsman kits, repairing trains at my hobby shop job, etc.
I do not publish my modeling resume here to brag, but to simply define my level of experiance with model trains.
I have had the privilege of knowing many well known modelers and learning from some of the true masters in this hobby. And over the years have met/known a number of the "captains" of this industry.
And yes, I am frustrated with where the industry is going. I am disapointed in the loss of respectful and friendly competition. I am saddened by the "get in, sell it all, get out" marketing.
If I was starting in this hobby today - I would not.
If I did not already have most of the model trains I need and want to complete my layout, I would not even consider building one.
I highly resent the "collector" type "marketing" - "this year we will make ...... get now or miss out".
Some argue that it is necessary to provide the proto specific models we have enjoyed over the last two decades - I'm not so sure - and I use know some of the people who pioneered those models at Bachmann and Life Like.......
For me model railroading is creating one small part of a believable world in miniature - a specific place and time - even if it is fictional, it needs to be plausable and believable.
So that means a Big Boy in the Allegheny Mountains is just not happening.
And I have no interest in "collecting" models of trains that do not fit the theme or purpose of my layout.
So imagine my frustration that it is hard to by a correct model of a B&O President class Pacific (Pacific - 4th most prolific mainline wheel arrangment in North America), but I can buy Big Boys from a half dozen manufacturers.
More companies have made Big Boys in the last 20 years than have made models of Pacifics - something is wrong there.
For 40 years Athearn, Model Die Casting, Train Miniature and others made locomotives and easy to assemble plastic freight car kits with very little product overlap - now today's manufacturers are tripping over each other to make the same models - it makes no sense.
Even in the early days of the high detail stuff, before Walthers, LifeLike Proto avoided making an EMD F unit - Athearn already had the perfect one. Only after Walthers ownership and Athearn single point distribution with Horizon did Proto make an F unit - Walthers really showed them - ha,ha.
The Proto F unit is a looser - the Athearn and Intermountain models are head and shoulders better.
I have no gripe with collecting, sound, casual modeling, or any approach different from mine - but do I care what MTH makes next? No.