Hi all. Anyone have any experience with the N scale Big boys. I have been looking at the Athearn, Broadway Limited, Kato, and Bachman I just noticed has one. I do like the Athearns looks the best because the drivers are much more visible (Brighter). I like to see the articulation on this Locomotive esp in this smaller scale its nice. The Broadway Limited probably has the best detail overall, but the drivers are so dark. But most important I'd like to get a quality model. The Kato also has 2 motors, but it does say they are synchronized so I'm assuming that wouldn't be a problem with DCC? Any thoughts on quality on the different brands, what the best investment would be? I have watched some videos but its still hard to tell. Thanks all.
I have two one Athearn, and one Kato both are DC. I like the Kato a lot better than the Athearn. The Kato is a lot quieter.
I would never buy brand "x" if Kato made what I wanted. In fact, I've sold off the brand "x" that I had and all I now own are Kato. If they don't make it, I can do without it.
If you are wanting to go DCC then hold out for the Kato DCC equipped Big Boy that was due this past fall but now says due winter 2024. Haven't figured out if that means the next couple of months or next December.?????
Big Boys are too large for me, after the failure of my InterMountain Cab Forward, I gave up on all large steam. Will be nice to see how the Kato Big Boy holds up over time. Same for the Athearn etc.
Appreciate the info guys, Kato it is. I was hoping this would be the consensus due to the drivers visibility. I really like the quality/ cosmetics of my Kato FEF-3 and that had alot to do with why I have recently got interested in N. Then I bought some Kato rolling stock I have been very happy with it all. I will hold out and pre-order a DCC. I noticed on Train World they are pre-order, it is saying this March. Are there any shops you guys prefer? Most of my O scale stuff in the past I got randomly from places when there were sales, most were not "train only" types of stores. I did buy an O scale Thomas train for one of my kids from Train World. It had an issue and they took care of it, it was fairly easy. But I haven't dealt with any other train shops. I like stores that will help if there are problems that arent the consumers fault. David, I have read N scale large Locomotives can be a problem, but its a risk I have to take to get this model. I cant afford an O scale version, well maybe a Rail King, but then I would need O scale DCS and a larger house.
Just a friendly reminder that the Kato Big Boy is not 'dcc friendly' out of the box. Certainly it can be converted to DCC and DCC/sound but it takes a bit of work. I've done half a dozen or so of them now. This walks you through the process of the first one I did. I'm actually working on another right now while I'm enjoying my morning coffee while the house is still quiet. Enjoy! Kelley. www.dufordmodelworks.com www.facebook.com/dufordmodelworks
Nice video thank you, confirms I will be ordering factory installed. Kelley, do you install DCC upgrades on other people's engines, or just your own fleet?
While this might not be an issue for you, bear in mind that Kato's Big Boy model depicts the excursion service number 4014, the present-day 2019 restoration which is oil fired and is currently mated with the tender from Union Pacific Challenger number 3985. If you are seeking an as manufactured in 1941 (twenty) and 1944 (five), or, one of the modified variations that were run in Union Pacific revenue service until July 21, 1959, without or without sound, the Athearn, Broadway Limited Import, and Minitrix models are your only choice for contemporary production releases with factory installed DCC decoders. The Broadway Limited Import and Minitrix models are also fitted with a smoke generation unit.
Trains.......is this the DCC/sound version? If so what do you have the volume set at? I've been told (by someone at Kato) that the amp for the sound produces a lot of heat, especially at high volume levels,and the heat causes problems. I was inquiring for a friend, so can't verify for the FEF, but I've run into the same issue with a number of my BLI sound locos. They run for a while, then the decoders heat up and don't work properly till they cool down, then everything is fine again. Not normally a problem on the home layout, but very noticeable at NTRAK setups where the loco runs for an hour or more.
Thanks Pmpexpress. I appreciate the heads up on this. This type of info up can be really handy for someone like me. And appreciate the historic details. To be honest I hadn't given much thought to history because I've wanted one of these for so long, and in O was out of reach. But I do like the oil tenders look and the bright drivers so I can see the articulation. But mainly bought it, #1 because of the reviews from Train Board members, #2 the drivers visibility, and #3 I like Kato. I am new to N and have not seen much else, but the Kato stuff I have, I really like. In this case the purchase lining up worked out ok. Not planned, but I had recently purchased the Union Pacific dual yellow tenders (one has the flag) to go with my FEF-3 Greyhound. I am not sure if this would be time period correct, but I figured I'd really like them with my Grey hound and they were on sale so I couldn't resist. But they appear to be the same ones used on the 4014. So I think it all worked out. I like yellow on trains and planes, just not cars. I live in Wyoming so the 4014 coming back to life around here is another unplanned bonus. I really like this video below, I am sure 99% of you have seen it, but just incase. it is done really well/ must see.
Back in 2015, I bought a Kato GS-4 for my in-laws’ Christmas tree layout. It “threw a rod” on Day One. (drive rod pin fell out the front end of a rod, the front end dropped and lodged between ties. Dead stop. Pin would not stay in. Engine had to be replaced. In 2022, that engine took damage and met an untimely end. Got a new Kato GS-4 to replace it. Ran one minute and never again. It had to be replaced. Also Day One. So, my record with Kato is two purchases, two, Day One failures.
You're welcome. If you are trying to depict a present-day Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Excursion Train, you're actually off to a pretty good start. With and without silent DCC and/or sound equipped DCC decoders, Kato has produced models of the following Union Pacific Heritage Fleet Excursion Service locomotives: Kato 126-401 Union Pacific FEF (Four Eight Four) locomotive number 844 with white driver rims, a silver smoke box, and gloss paint. Kato 126-4014 Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive number 4014 with silver cylinder head and piston covers, a graphite smoke box, and gloss paint. Kato 176-4015 Union Pacific number 4015 EMD SD70M Flat Radiator "Excursion Version" Unlike the competitive products from other manufacturers, the Kato Big Boy has dual motors with brass flywheels and an articulated design that facilitates its operation on curves with a minimum radius of 11-inches. The Kato model's dual motors, deck mounted headlight, lack of plug and play connections, and sheer number of parts makes aftermarket DCC conversions considerably more challenging. To accompany your locomotive(s) and the Kato 106-085 Jim Adams number 809 with "Flag" plate and Joe Jordan number 814 water cars, you will likely want to purchase the Kato 106-086 Union Pacific 7-Car Excursion Train passenger car set, which is packaged in a collector’s style foam tray with removable inserts for the water cars. Kato sells optional lighting kits for the passenger and water cars.
