Hi, I didn't want to derail the other guys topic about the minimum radius, but I have a BigBoy question of my own. I heard mention of it having some sort of dual mode decoder or DC sound or something. Can someone explain what it does exactly on DC? Also, I think in that same topic I heard mention of something not working very well on DC with it. If I end up having large enough curves to support it, I'd be interested in buying one for myself. Just want to know what I'm getting into with it BEFORE I buy it.
Matt, Good questions to ask before plunking down the big dollars down for one of these. I would suggest first that you go to a reputed hobby shop and have the clerk test one out on DC track. I have had some DCC equipped locos run on my DC layout, and some run OK and some do not. Example was the E7A made by Broadway Limited, which was advertised to run on both modes, and the DC mode was definitely lacking. I would say that since both sets of drivers swivel, it could run on as tight as 9 1/2" track. Just a guess, but my Rivarossi Big Boys and Challengers have no problems with my 11" curves. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
Thanks Mr. W! I have not seen the model up close. I have actually not seen the real thing up close, but have seen them in film, and that was one serious beast of a loco.
I have the big boy and it runs fine on DC. The smallest radius i use is 13" and it tracks just fine also. If you like it buy it. I bought it off of Chuck at Feather river trains, a great dealer. Dave
You'll be able to run the Athearn "Big Boy" on at least 11" radii. It would look better on radii greater than 15". Have fun...
There was a guy at the train show I was at on the weekend running a Big Boy on the T-Trak layout which has Unitrack 11 and 12 3/8 inch radius curves, seemed to be running ok.
