I seen this on Facebook, In case you missed the Amherst Train Show this year, or didn't see our Instagram post a couple weeks ago, we officially "teased" our upcoming productions of the N Scale Amtrak ALC-42 Charger and the N Scale Union Pacific "Big Boy" locomotives! More updates and details on both projects are coming soon so stay tuned!
https://www.facebook.com/omahantrak...rMH8jXJHZ94dmDI19CE8ZEGba5qBba-UtghM_8VbaBjHg This shows both. Don
So the Big Boy will need 2 DCC cards ? It will be good to have engine units get out of sync as per prototype. Getting sound synchronised will be a bit more work ....... one card providing exhaust sound only and the other with everything. It might be worth buying one with sound installed.
Seems like a dual motor would complicate synching the drivers and sound. I have enough Athearn sound equipped Big Boys to keep me busy. I like Kato models, but, this would be a redundant purchase at a comparably high price point.
Here was the Facebook post from Kato. Who knows, maybe if I can put away $10 a week, for the rest of the year, I might just be able to get one
I have to admit that if Kato had done these models 15 years ago I probably would have passed on the Athearn models. Athearn DOES NOT stock replacement parts, whereas Kato usually DOES.
I put down a reservation on one a few months back when a retailer announced them. Shortly after they rescinded the ability to order with the promise to maintain what was already in their system if kato eventually committed. Looks like they have so back on again. I think the Athearns are top notch though and glad I have one. The detail is spectacular and performance inline with my kato steam but if kato were to match detail wise that I'd think they'd have the best of the best.
I have an Athearn #4014 analog version that I purchased "new" with the intent of installing an ESU sound decoder and speaker in the tender. It was a piece of c**p. I spent 3 months getting it to run and it does real well now, "like a KATO". So, one BB is enough and I shall pass on the KATO. I have a question for you guys. Have you studied the above image with a magnifying glass? Yes, it has dual motors but what I see from the cone shaped flywheel/worm and motor connections sort of brings concern that KATO is once again over engineering this thing. I am keeping in mind that the final design may not be what the above image shows. Time will tell ! !
Unfortunately, I have no interest in UP. I finally bought a Challenger when they did one in SP&S since I model that RR, mostly for club events. It's beautiful to look at and runs like a fine watch, but it doesn't pull for squat. I have a BLI Pacific that will pull twice as many cars. Not sure what the issue is with it, but it sort of soured me on Athearns till I figure out the problem. I'm in the middle of a layout build, and my little test track doesn't work very well to sort out this type of problem.
Yours must be an exception. Mine, to quote Mark from spookshow.net on the same subject, “pulls like an elephant.” Pulls every car I own (only 25-30), but they spanned half my old layout so they were always wrapped around at least 180 degrees of curves. Sometimes at ill-advised, “non-prototypical” speeds. Like you, I’m not into the UP. Modeling the C&O, I stretched my scope a bit, and bit on a Clinchfield Challenger. (having seen photos of one doubleheading with a C&O Kanawha)
