Hornby UP Big Boy | Worlds Largest Steam Locomotive | Unboxing & Review

Today I review the world's biggest steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy by Hornby/Rivarossi!
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0:00 Intro
4:20 Unboxing
9:46 Prototype Info
11:03 Detail
19:34 Mechanism
24:43 Performance
28:33 Haulage
33:08 Ratings
37:20 Conclusion

[@altermike3197]

I've seen this thing in person, and it's so huge, heavy, and loud, that it makes the ground shake as it moves; even at a slow pace

[@SamsTrains]

It's an incredible-sized machine isn't it? Such an impressive performance too, Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@NextEevolution]

I regret not having gone to see it during a rail excursion a couple of years ago and apparently a new excursion was announced recently. So I can't wait to feel its presense for myself.

[@drecksaukerl]

I've seen the one on static display at Steamtown in Scranton, PA. I can only imagine what kind of a show it would put on if fired up and running.

[@generalprincecodyhedgewolf2944]

I once Saw a video of the Big Boy numbered 4005 Wrecked The cause was a MOW Track Gang Throwing a switch into the siding and the 4005 Was going Full throttle…… and 4005 Derailed at the switch And Ripped the tracks.. the engineer said this “They threw it right in front of us the switch they threw the switch right in front of us I felt the locomotive rocked no matter how many times it rocked Next thing I knew I thought that I was a goner All I could do is prevent steam from hitting my face” He and the stoker Died after that statement… Some pigs were also among the dead and Gave comic relief one regained consciousness and With a grunt ran Off into a crowd of bystan

[@idontlikechristmas2269]

For some reason I had it in my mind that you were talking about the model and not the real engine... my brain is stupid sometimes.

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Lovely to see you at Chloe today! Thanks for the purchase and sorry if I bored you too much! 😊

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh you too my friend - always glad to find a new Ocean wagon haha! And not at all - I think it's wonderful what you guys are doing, and loved to hear about it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Decrepit_biker]

It's even more surprising when you realise the 9F is bigger than it should be in comparison to the Big boy (by about 16%) , 4mm to 3.5mm to the foot!! The big boy is a truly huge locomotive!!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely right - that's what amazes me too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@FS2K4Pilot]

At the our National Railway Museum (that is, the one in Green Bay Wisconsin), the Gresley A4 Pacific “Dwight D. Eisenhower” and two of its armored cars are on display next to a Big Boy. The Big Boy is almost as big as Ike’s entire train. And on top of that, that Big Boy looks like HO Scale (1:87.1) while I assume that the 9F would be OO Scale. I’ll admit though that it impresses me that the 9F makes comparatively more tractive effort than the Big Boy, at least by comparison of their full weights.

[@marmion150]

You're right there, when proportion is taken into account. Test running show big boy develop just under 19 hp per ton of loco. Equivalent figures for 9F, 23 hp per ton and for a Duchess 25.5. The world record is 39.1 hp per ton of engine, SNCF 4.8.0 4 cylinder compound.

[@kanehood3478]

@@marmion150wasnt the u1 garratt larger than a 9f? And if your not including 1 off locos lms commissioned a bunch of 2-6-0 0-6-2 garratts that are larger than the 9f

[@marmion150]

@kanehood3478 I was giving the outputs of the 9F and the Duchess as examples. Not every loco went through dynamometer car testing and I don't have any figures for the U1 or LMS Garrett types. Tractive effort has its own problems as a measure of power as it represents theoretical instantaneous force applied, and doesn't take continuous steaming into account.

[@ryancampbell4119]

Fun fact 4014 tender is actually Union Pacific 3985’s tender because the Union Pacific didn’t want to convert the tender and 4014’s tender is with the challenge who is currently being restored. Also 4014 is operating with her original railroad who bought her to run.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - thanks for sharing that's cool! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ThunderboltSirenStudios]

They should switch the tenders and give 3985's back

[@willausterman3104]

​@ThunderboltSirenStudios that's the plan once the original tender is restored.

[@ryancampbell4119]

@@ThunderboltSirenStudios Once 4014’s original tender is converted to burn oil they will switch the tenders

[@ThunderboltSirenStudios]

@@ryancampbell4119 good 😊. I think it's very thoughtful of union Pacific to consider that each tender should go with its corresponding locomotive respectfully.

[@wolf986]

I've been watching your channel for a while, I don't say this to sound like a jerk(i have no setup)I love that you're able to do it all on the floor, and it shows you don't need some monster complex setup like you see in the magazines, or other channels to absolutely enjoy the hobby. like I said, I love it and think its awesome.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you so much - yeah absolutely, though I was very surprised I got away with it with a big boy... wasn't expecting that!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TheAvergeRailwayFan]

In comparison to British locomotives, American locomotives are huge! I can imagine Sam using this for some really funny youtube story videos, Amazing video like always Sam!

[@SamsTrains]

They sure are aren't they? This one particularly incredible in its size though! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Karat260]

I think it would be hilarious if sam used for a story video

[@drecksaukerl]

Actually, that comparison holds true for all European locos, since the American loading gauge and allowable axle loads are higher. The largest German steam locomotive (Class 45 2-10-2) looks puny next to a Big Boy.

[@swaneknoctic9555]

American locos cover far greater distances and pull far longer loads than UK ones do, so size is a big factor.

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

Even small American locomotives are bigger than moderately large British locomotives

[@jrisner1951]

I have a Broadway Limited Big Boy. It’s highly detailed and partly made of brass and weighs about two and a half pounds with DCC sound. It is a beast!

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow I'm sure that is a real beast - I can understand why Broadway is more expensive for sure! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@glenissmith9209]

How does it perform throughout the spectrum, particularly slow running?

[@Calilasseia]

Just looked up the Broadway Limited model ... the ads I'm seeing are for the HO scale version, which tips the scales at 5½ pounds. Yeep. That's serious heft. If they do an OO scale version, and build it to similar specs, it won't be light. And, it will come with a price tag to match. It'll be fun if someone lends one of these to Sam for a review, so we can all smile as he reaches for the bathroom scales to weigh it :)

[@brennanvilcheck9469]

I have heard that the Broadway ones are having issues with either smoke units or DCC decoder. I'm rn in debate on this one or the Broadway limited. What's your experience been with the Broadway limited one if I can ask?

[@Chasetwalkerproductions]

@@brennanvilcheck9469well personally speaking, it’s very much luck of the draw. I had a big boy, and the smoke gave out twice. I sold it off because of this. If your willing to take this risk, go for bli, but considering the better price tag and better sound of this one, it’s going to be your best bet.

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Lovely engine, it's a shame about the poor detail but I'm amazed it works on second radius!

[@SamsTrains]

I'm amazed too - it wasn't supposed to work on 2nd radius! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@gamerfan8445]

What you expect a retool model from the 60s. Actually the older ones are less detailed. And the second radius note. I know for a fact it could handle it just fine.

[@leiagelwasser2168]

Funny thing, the big boys actually an unofficial nickname! But then a picture circulated amongst railroaders of someone who wrote the phrase big boy on the in and chalk and it just stuck. The model you have is the current running one, 4014, and she is a beautiful sight. Recently she managed to push a diesel and her freight train wall carrying her excursion load, it was quite a sight.

[@SamsTrains]

That's very interesting - it's a perfect name for them though! Thanks for sharing! Sam :)

[@jefferyG499]

What a strange compulsion to call an inanimate object nicknamed 'Big Boy" by female pronouns...

[@davidawalkerjr2905]

Originally it was to be the “Wasatch”, named for a Mountain Range

[@chugwaterjack4458]

Right on that name. The railroaders, such as my grandfather, an engineer on the "Big Boys" always referred to the class as a Four-Thousand, same for the 4-8-4 seen in the background, all of which were collectively called 800's. Challengers - mixed, but usually called 3900's.

[@sargentrowell81]

Interesting fact about the tender that 4014 has. When Union Pacific restored the locomotive to running order, to save time they borrowed the tender from challenger 3985 since that tender was already an oil carrying tender since 3985 was also already an oil fired instead of coal fired loco. The Big Boys had never been converted to run on oil successfully in their service life so 4014 still ran on coal and therefore it's tender was still fitted for coal. 4014 still has 3985's tender to this day, and 3985 has 4014's original tender with it at it's new home as well. 3985's new owners plan on converting the tender to carry oil as they restore the challenger to running order again so once the engines are capable of meeting up on an excursion, they've said they will make the swap and return the original tenders to the proper locomotives.

[@SamsTrains]

That is very interesting thanks very much for sharing - fascinating machines! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@survivingworldsteam]

I have the Revell static (non-running) model of the Big Boy. It is the original setup for coal firing; it is interesting comparing its tender to the one on this model, showing it set up for oil firing. 4014 also now has a large pipe on engineer's (right) side of the cab with a steam trap that allows for continuous blowdown of the boiler, rather than occassionally when there is a safe place to do it. I am not sure they included it on this model, but otherwise, the detail compares favorably.

[@RussellJEllis]

The LMS 2-6-0+0-6-2 & LNER 2-8-0+0-8-2 Beyer Garratt designs were Britain's biggest and most powerful locomotives, respectively, until withdrawal in the early 1950's. The 9F, I believe, was the biggest and most powerful up until the withdrawal of steam. The 'P2' new build will, however, become Britain's most powerful steam locomotive once complete. Great video, as always, Sam. It's a shame the detailing and overall quality of the model aren't reflected in the price.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

EAR 59 Garrett was the biggest built in britisin but was for the East African Railways, it was also for 3ft 3 gauge, but weighed 252tons and keep in mind the square cube rule

[@davidbrigenshaw8721]

And then there was the solitary LNER U1 class 2-8-2+2-8-2 Garratt, built for banking on the Worsborough incline in Yorkshire. She was also scrapped in the 1950s I believe.

[@tobythehairlessdog8876]

The U1 was 2-8-0+0-8-2 and was Britain's biggest steam loco. There was no LNER 4-8-2+2-8-4 Woof!

[@estianburger8709]

What about the South African Class GMAM Garrat

[@RussellJEllis]

@tobythehairlessdog8876 Oops, just realised my mistake. I'll change it. Lol. 😉

[@NextEevolution]

During the stream the day before you aired this episode, you said you were going to review the biggest locomotive you've ever done. My three guesses were a Union Pacific Big Boy from some manufacturer, A G-Scale model, or, if Christmas came early, a tongue in cheek review of an actual steam locomotive. Can't wait to enjoy this episode

[@SamsTrains]

hahahaha it was very hard not to spoil the surprise! Hope you like the video :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@KeijiSuwa]

Fun fact: The Big Boys' tonnage ratings were increased several times over their career when the Union Pacific realized they were much more powerful than previously thought. The Big Boys were originally rated for 3,600 tons on Sherman Hill, the steepest part of the railroad they were designed to run on, but testing found they could handle up to 4,200 tons on this route. On flatter ground, the Big Boys were rated for trains weighing up to 9,000 tons. On the other hand, the Norfolk & Western Class A 2-6-6-4 had a lower tractive effort than the Big Boys but were rated for up to 13,000 tons, so it's very well possible the Big Boys could've been rated to haul even heavier trains.

[@Agamemnon2]

I think the model serves a purpose in the market, considering a lot of people are interested in owning a Big Boy as a novelty and on smaller layouts. The good running performance is nice to see

[@scottfw7169]

Ya know, that is a good point.

[@bryantan863]

This model of the Big Boy locomotive from Hornby/Rivarossi may not have the greatest detail but the performance is damn good which I am impress with it Sam. It is a shame it does not have tender pickups and no bearings on the axles of the driving wheels but it still performs pretty well thanks to its 5 pole motor. Overall, it is a pretty good representation of the real Big Boy locomotives Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I'd agree with that - absolutely faultless performance! Could be better for sure, as it was very expensive, but overall pretty happy! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@scottfw7169]

Question: the real ones could do potentially 80 mph, 130kph, can the model? Have read several places through the decades (I'm 60) they were designed to be stable at that speed but there isn't documentation of them actually being used at that speed. Even so, imagine something that big, and with train, moving at 70mph while powered by nothing more than boiling water. As a couple other commenters, I have had a chance to see it, and the 4-6-6-4 No 3985 in person. Impressive machines.

[@BobThomas123]

​@@scottfw7169its the theoratical top speed according to UP. The limited speed for this bigboys are at 60mph.

[@TheAreotrain]

Ran a 4-8-8-4 model (Athearn Genesis with Tsunami2 sound/DCC, number 4017) all day today at a model railroad club open house, literally got the train running, set the throttle down and stopped after 8 hours of running. Come back to see Sam doing a review on a big boy model. The pleasant irony. Also after watching this review, while it is a very nice model, I am happy with the two Athearn and one Broadway Limited ones I have. For running the Athearn ones are rock solid, today proved that to me. For features, and scary amounts of pulling power (ever see a bogie of a train car get snapped off cause it get stuck and the locomotive would not slip. . . ) then Broadway Limited. Biggest issue is the BLI's boards have a lot more current running thru them and if you're running a heavy train, you risk burning out the board. Especially with the smoke units for the stack and whistle. I have had to send mine in less than a month of owning it (second time I have had to send an BLI engine in for warranty work for internal control board failure). Thanks for the great review!

[@jeffheins6624]

Having stood on the footplate 2 years ago, it's impressive in real life. The Rivarossi is cheapest for a reason, but not everyone can afford a Trix die-cast or Broadway Limited

[@steamfan4014]

I have an Athearn Big Boy with sound and I love it. It's got more separately fitted parts than the Rivarossi one and runs great. I do agree with you that the Rivarossi Big would be good for someone who wants one that looks alright and runs good but doesn't have a lot of money to spend. Big Boys of any size are amazing to look at and I can't wait to run mine again

[@MrBnsftrain]

16:26 the firebox door is for a coal-fired engine. Oil-fired ones stick out more and have a little window to watch the flames. I am also disappointed the engineer's controls and cab doors aren't modeled, but at least they got the numberboard logo on the floor. This same type of tender was also used on the Challenger and FEF class 4-8-4s. Similar tenders were used on other railroads' large locomotives. I also expected a more glossy finish on this model of 4014 in excursion form. A more matte finish would fit an in-service version.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I saw 4014 in person when it came through a small town west of Chicago. The number of people gathered around the tracks was more than the town’s entire population, and I was only standing about 4M from the tracks when it rolled in! They stopped for about 45 minutes to make sure it was all lubricated to keep on going, and because they had to clear everyone off the tracks! There’s nothing quite like seeing a piece of machinery bigger than a couple houses blow off an entire cloud of steam and move along by its own power. These Rivarossi molds have been in near continuous use for almost 60 years now, so it is impressive that they still look as good as they do even if BLI and Athearn Genesis far outclass them. The chassis design is close to 30 years old now, and at the time, no one could make ready to run steam engines that ran as well. They’ve fallen behind since then (last new model they developed was the 2-6-6-6 Allegheny in the early 2000’s), but it’s good to see that they’re still great runners!

[@williamault2490]

This locomotive was tooled originally in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. It’s been updated to reflect the conversation from coal to oil burning. And the motor and drive train have been updated, however it’s as old as I am. lol nice review

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Fantastic review! Really enjoyed your review on the big boy. Well done!😊

[@danconlin3456]

What a great video. I love how your brought out so many of your North American steamers to watch the Big Boy roll by. My layout is not a place for a big boy but great to see you put one through its paces in such an insightful way. One request - please get yourself a caboose. Lots of ones to choose. Old school North American freight trains look odd without one, like sentence without a period!

[@MsJC96]

I was watching another video of this model this morningand thought I'd love to see Sam review this. Glad to see my hopes come true so quickly

[@hara23scorp]

Wow, amazing to see the big boy in your channel. For the very first time, I was very nervous before the first test run. I was praying it should run well. Thank god it did. Thanks sam.

[@joeleboeuf]

Finally! At long last! The steam engine we've all been waiting for. And now, that moment is finally here. Thank you, my dude! 🙏

[@SamsTrains]

hahaha no problem - so glad to have finally done it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ForemansMainlineEntertainment]

My prayers have been answered! Now this is what many Rail Enthusiasts call a MASTERPIECE!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you, Sam

[@RedBeardBiker27]

I finally got to see the Big Boy in operation this year as it came through my area and the hours I spent chasing and watching it was well worth it! I wish I could've been near Blair, NE when it pushed a stalled freight train showing off its incredible power. Love your reviews Sam, I may very well have to add a Big Boy to my collection soon.

[@teagor9505]

I've been hoping for this one to show up on your channel for ages now, looking forward to getting into it. Thanks a lot n have a nice day!

[@teagor9505]

I still would love to see you tackle some articulated steam train designs in your train projects one day.

[@Damien.D]

You finally got one \o/ What a beast. I've always loved the big boy, it's not elegant, it's not fast, it's just sheer power. This model is of 4014, as preserved, she's the actually running one (who saved a wheel-slipping fully loaded freight train on a slope, recently, despite hauling her tourist excursion train...). I'm seriously impressed at how it handles curves, even the big pipe on the side is articulated (just as on the real thing). It also looks good even if it's an old model. It's a well engineered model, but a bit on the expensive side. Now you should get one in N scale just for the fun of having both side by side :P

[@overpoweredsteamproduction513]

not elegant, not fast, not the most efficient, nor was it anywhere close to being one of the strongest. BUT the big boys did their job well and went down in history with respect and honor. and the fact that 4014 is running today at all is no short of impressive and ABSOLUTELY awesome.

[@Christiane069]

Yea, I saw the video, very impressive. That's for sure.

[@kiwitrainguy]

Well, Sam has some O scale track set up, maybe he should get a Big Boy in O scale.😉😊😄

[@blinard1]

Thanks. You got me out of some big trouble...i had a long box with Big Boy written on it arrive in the post and had to think fast when my wife asked. Anyway ive fitted wheels to it and its a very streamlined "loco"

[@davidmolin8944]

One of my all time favorite locomotives, so glad you finally reviewed one, really sad that it was subpar I was expecting better but tbf hornby track record hasn’t seem to have been the best recently from what I’ve seen so idk, still loved seeing it run

[@SamsTrains]

I'm really glad too! I mean it was sub-par compared with some of the other models you can buy, but as the cheapest Big Boy on the market, I think it's very decent! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Ah, the Big Boys. The crown jewel of American steam for good reason. When it was revealed that UP 4014 was being restored to operational status, a cheer shook the American railfan community. Much has been said about them, but it's easier to just stand next to one of those and let the sense of power they exude- even when idle and silent -speak for itself.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jimmy - wonderful for sure! I can only imagine what it must be like to see one work in real life! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@foxhillrailway2252]

great Sam you finally got a Big Boy... excellent honest review mate... love the way Big Boy just pushed Bullman at the end .. classic

[@NoggintheNog37]

I have the Broadway Limited one, and it is very good indeed. But it is more than twice the price to get one in your hands here in the UK - mine was around £800 in the end I think. Thats OK if you model US outline like me, but if you just want that big loco in your collection, this one is a really good compromise I think.

[@Victorian_steam]

Hey Sam! I’ve got an old school rivarossi big boy and seeing how much better this one is makes me want it! The old one is very juttery, and has so much less detail, barely a cab and not even running numbers on the front of the loco, but after converting it to DCC sound, it became my favourite loco in my collection, DCC and sound changes everything ! Ran so much better and played the part

[@evophantom]

I love the old rivarossi stuff, never experienced the newer stuff though. I've got an old blue goose from the 60s and it is a lovely thing, not super detailed but full of character.

[@Tuckaway]

I own one of the Rivarossi Big Boy models and they are very good I think. I have been in the cab of UP4017 at Greenbay, Wisconsin, they are truly massive pieces of machinery. This one had the automatic stoker/coal feed, but others were oil fired, including the UP4014 that is running again thanks to the Union Pacific Heritage Group.

[@SavedfromscrapYT]

That's big! My man loved it! Thanks sam😀

[@drecksaukerl]

The Marklin (or Trix for DC) BB is head and shoulders above this one, but then again, I paid about 600 bucks for a used one on Ebay. It will also run on tight curves down to R=360 mm, but the boiler swings out so far that it will hit masts for the overhead as well as tunnel portals, so I can only use it on part of my layout. All in all, the Rivarossi looks like a pretty good deal, considering that the performance seems to make up for the subpar detail and build quality. If I was to get one, my main concern would be how long the plastic gearing will last if you consistently pull heavy trains.

[@aberfordwest4003]

Really enjoyed meeting you at Warley today! My anticipation for this video was warranted

[@rossbowman202]

Thank you Sam. I was so excited when I clicked on this video and you didn't disappoint.

[@user-mv6ve8pm7k]

I have one of these on my layout and, other than one rail joint which is admittedly a little iffy (though no other loco in my collection has issues), it’s a magnificent runner. I think I paid less back in the day but, even at this price, I think it’s worth the money. I could just watch those side-rods for hours! Beautiful loco.

[@jackstrains4468]

What a stunning loco! It is a shame about the detail, but I'm mightily I'm pressed that a loco of that size can fit around your layout! Great video as always sam!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jack - I'm impressed too, incredible isn't it?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@gamerfan8445]

21:06 US modeler here, the drawbar on the big boy is not a one off. Almost every American steam locomotive have that type of drawbar. It just how we do things (even the newer models have it). We do it to let the models to be flexible on most layouts, also it make it easier to do maintenance on the model as well. The British design drawbar are not reliable for our needs.

[@OragamiTobichi-bi6lh]

Nice a big boy. Let's go bro. U finally have a decent train. Keep being awesome my friend. I am getting a new train today soon or tomorrow. We will see. That train looks so amazing. That's a huge box

[@TurnFullCircle]

wow....love this...out of my budget but....the smoothness is pretty impressive....cheers

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Lovely to see you and Chloe today! Thanks for the purchase and sorry if I bored you too much! 😊

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam you finally got the big boy made me want one now lol

[@RCT335]

As an American, i can say im VERY impressed. Big Boy is to many the Flying Scotsman of the United States. The Union Pacific's 4000s were, and still are, a sight to behold. You can look up the many Horn battle videos of it. He could be heard for MILES. Literally the only other Locomotive i can think of that is just as famous, if not more, then Big Boy is Flying Scotsman.

[@shanestoddard3152]

Hey Sam. Your new Big Boy is a wonderful opportunity to add detail to. You will love tinkering with it: making it chuck full of details. Have fun dolling it up!!!!

[@Breakfastlizurt]

as a child i wanted nothing more than to collect model trains and build a big diorama for them to run on. as an adult i realized it would be way to hecking expensive. thank you for living my child hood dream for me.

[@solarflare623]

You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this!

[@ARG0T]

I remember from your older video on American trains that you'd like to get and review a Big Boy one day. I'm glad you finally did, and while I haven't seen 4014 in person yet (sadly), I have seen another massive articulated: The C&O class H-8, they had a wheel configuration of 2-6-6-6. Even if the one I saw was on static display, the sheer size of it was unreal

[@theblackleafninja3858]

I enjoyed this review cause I love big boy it’s one of my favorite locos in America also have a great day Sam

[@philipcalvey5319]

I've got the 60th anniversary model which is about 4-5 years old. Had DCC sound which really makes a difference. Cracking loco

[@yambo59]

The absolute smoothest running locomotive ive EVER seen was two STEWART HOBBIES EMD F unit diesels, I was blown away at the astounding low speed performance especially when paired with an older MRC TecII low speed pulse transformer, engine could be set to start up so smooth and slow you had to literally watch the thing for a minute before motion was detectable, and the same was true for the extended low speed braking switch on the transformer - anyone thats had a Stweart hobbies engine with one of these transformers knows what im talking about, none better

[@briandesens144]

Awesome video Sam's trains

[@Jimyjames73]

Very Good review Sam - glad it didn't de-raid on your 2nd radius curves!!! 😉🚂🚂🚂

[@jonathanmcilhagger1252]

I saw this on Hornby! Not sure why they had it on there but the price made me spit out my drink!! I only knew it was a matter of time before Sam did a review on it and here we are!

[@Themodelrailer]

Wow what a loco and such a good runner could definitely see me getting one of those at some point just to say i own one and for the size of the thing the price seems pretty good too amazing video as always!

[@williamsquires3070]

Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it to go over Sam’s 2nd radius curves, but it handles them like a champ! Me, personally, I wouldn’t run it on anything less than a 24” radius curve, or what I would expect a model railroad club layout to have. Some of his other, much smaller, locomotives handle his 2nd radius curves like a chump! If Rivarossi has a Challenger model (4-6-6-4), it should handle the 2nd radius curves even better. The motor and flywheel really do this model proper justice, even without proper bearings. 💙 I can’t imagine how well it would run WITH proper bearings!

[@schuylerschultz804]

OHMYGOD!!! HE DID THE THING!!! I have NEVER clicked on a video so fast in my life! YOU'RE FINALLY REVIEWING A BIG BOY! Fun fact, I've actually seen UP 4014 in person. It was a birthday present from my dad and stepmother in 2019. We drove for almost five hours from our home in Indianapolis, Indiana - which itself is a famous city thanks to the Indianapolis 500 - to Chicago, Illinois, where the Big Boy was stopped for a day of being on display. Despite being stationary, he - because it's a Big BOY - was under steam the whole time, so you could feel the intense heat radiating from his boiler. One final bit of info, and it concerns how these beasts got their name. Back when they were in production, as the first of the fleet, UP 4000, was in the final stages of construction, a Union Pacific employee - whose identity is unknown to this day - climbed up onto the pilot of the locomotive, and with a piece of chalk, wrote the words "Big Boy" on the smokebox door. This act of graffiti became legendary, as it gave the Union Pacific a name for the class that they hadn't yet come up with a name for. That same chalk decoration was recreated on UP 4014 during his restoration in 2019, and he wears it to this day.

[@stephenedwards5254]

I've got one of the original Hornby Rivarossi Big Boys and Lionel Big Boy. Both of them run really well on layout on the 3rd radius curves

[@SuperRobotStudios]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO REVIEW THIS!

[@ciaranburke3243]

Delighted it worked on your sam, as a budget big boy it does the job just fine 🙂

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam I hope you are well I hope you and Chloe enjoyed Warley Nice model. Tar muchly for sharing your models and opinion with us Keep safe ARP

[@danshobbies13]

Watching this has helped making my decision. Looks like I’ll save up for the BLI version. Thanks Sam

[@benmcwhinnie3020]

Yes finally a Big Boy review, ive been waiting for your opinion on one of these for a wile now. Great to see you went with a Rivarossi one i know the detail is a bit lacking but they do Proform well From experience ive had less drama with Rivarossi Big Boy over Broadway limiteds Big Boy more tech means more issues also the Broadway Big Boys and most of there steam locos come fitted with traction tyres from factory and you have to buy the replacement non traction tyre driver from Broadway, not supplied with the model. Any how Great video Sam as always keep up the great work

[@edmaphet6]

I Love the Doctor Who Phone Booth on your lay out and Thanks for the review.

[@trainzville9237]

Hi Sam, long time no see. That's a magnificent review on your Rivarossi Union Pacific Big Boy No.4014, I have a model of it too & he's a magnificent beast, big, strong & powerful. I'm sorry to hear that your model arrived with a wheel lose and the chimney pieces broken, even though you managed to fit the wheel back on, hopefully the pieces of the chimneys will be fixable with a little bit of glue & it'll be as good as new. I completely respect your honest review & opinion on the Rivarossi Big Boy, I don't seem to mind it at all on the quality, as long as it's decent, runs really well & affordable. Hope you enjoy running your Big Boy model. Also, 4014 you have, the real one is now in full working order and hauling special trains & excursions. Keep up the good work mate. 10/10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@petergarton5629]

Fabulous loco and review.

[@jonas2431]

Yay a big boy. I saw 4014 last year it was beautiful and mighty the whistle was so badass.

[@6allmotivepowers363]

I never thought the day would come - Sam, reviewing a Union Pacific Big Boy - I must be dreaming! While some aspects of the model unfortunately disappointed, at least the most important one remained true to the real engine; he was built to pull, and at the end of the day, the model was capable of that and more. Fantastic review Sam - it was well worth the wait!

[@Anthonator-rv5lm]

I have a big boy on my N scale layout and it's absolutely fantastic. Mine was made by Kato. The reason they are so expensive is because you are basically buying two steam locomotives in one.

[@astronomenov99]

I've got the older (but seems to be the same tooling) 4018 with Loksound. In order to improve the pickups and smoothness, I fitted pickups to the tender and used the tender light wiring to transfer the power (who runs a Big Boy in reverse anyway!). The only criticism is that the whistle sound is too quiet. It's worth the money though. I got mine for £325 used from Rails of Sheffield with a tiny bit of damage on one tender handrail. The sound is really good and gives it a 'life'. Best loco I ever bought!

[@blocked4239]

The day has come Sam reviews the big boy after years of asking great video

[@DarkFire515]

Very impressive performace on the curves, especially with a load connected up.

[@dannagy546]

I didnt know Hornby owned Rivarossi! I hope at some point youll take a look at some of the modern US makers like Broadway Limited or Scaletrains Rivet counter line. Theyre undeniably expensive but i think youll be very impressed by them!

[@ronclark9724]

Scaletrains Rivet counter line is MUSEUM quality... You also pay TWICE as much for that very fine detail... If you think 300 British pounds/ $400 USD is too much, think in terms of $800 USD for a UP Big Boy...

[@europacifictradersltd3717]

hi sam. what a train ! it made an impression when it was first built and still is .bit is an awesome model. pity in the lack of metal parts and the rather primitive wiring method used.

[@jimcrawford5039]

It’s not a train, it’s a locomotive! Nitpicking I know!

[@robswan4170]

Great video Sam but I've noticed in a few videos you put the flags on backwards they should be facing the cab like the winds blowing them back you have them in the right direction if you're going in reverse

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Smashing video Rob and many thanks for the shout out.

[@geoker55]

I picked up a Broadway Limited Big Boy at a swap meet yrs ago. The previous owner had replaced much of the plastic with brass pieces. It was quite a runner. However, didn't quite fit my layout so I traded it away for other goodies.

[@horsewoodtrains15]

I just saw an HO scale model of Big Boy yesterday! 😃

[@davidcook380]

Great Stuff Sam

[@crazypickles8235]

Thank you for doing a review on such an awkward and unusual locomotive as the UP's Big Boy. I live in the US and I've been hoping to make a trip to see one someday. I've seen a Yellowstone 2 8 8 4 in person before and they're just MASSIVE

[@willowsjunction7989]

Hi Sam. Amazing review as always, I love that you cover all aspects both externally and internally. The 9F is Britain's 3rd largest locomotive. If you don't include the LMS Garrett, then Britain's largest steam locomotive is the Princess Coronation class.

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

You are correct friend I am a Lizzy fan and it is the longest ( non articulated ) locomotive on BR at 74’ 4 1/2 inches. Regards from Ron

[@bimb0cat]

And then there are the British-built locomotives for export like the South Afrcan, East Africa and Soviet BGs that were even bigger.

[@johnd8892]

Left out the larger LNER U1 Garrett. 2-8-0+0-8-2 with six cylinders.

[@RonCooper-nl4pn]

@@johnd8892 we are talking about NON ARTICULATED LOCOMOTIVES !

[@dusty429]

I went the extra expense for the Broadway Limited, The "TRAIN" of thought was... "I am into this expense pretty deep now, I may as well get the one I want. WOW the detail is awesome. I bought the 4012 because I stood 20 ft from the real 4012 when I was a "Little Shaver". I remember those wheels that were bigger than me and how they shook the ground. The 4012 is now kept in Pennsylvania (where I live). A trip to the other end of the state is in the works.

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

One day I'll get a big boy for sure Sam. Although I might go for the broadway limited one, if I can find it for a good price. Cheers Jasper & Willow

[@robertcouch9021]

About bloody time, this is what we been waiting for, this is the big one and I do own a Riverossi Challenger, great old locomotive, enjoy it the Big Boy Sam Broadway Limited and Athearn are upgrades compared to this and I own a Athearn and it can take a really sharp turn and it got power and I love it

[@JustinFrazier_360]

That's so cool sam!

[@Trains-stuff]

I have the older rivarossi big boy I think it was built in the 90s it runs good except the older ones need a lot of maintenance I had to get a new drive shaft for it besides that I love it it is my favorite and biggest loco on my layout

[@flyingvillager1472]

Very excited to see you review a Big Boy, sorry you received a broken one. They're awesome when you have one in good shape, I would get it replaced if it's going to cost you so much. I hope you can get a replacement

[@matthewgersch1901]

Nice Unboxing Sam

[@Arkay315]

Big boy- the pride of Union Pacific, champion of the railroad.

[@Luke-it3lf]

It’s been a couple of years since i asked for this, And now it’s finally happening!

[@inimitablestoo]

Sometimes this channel exists just to provide material for Out of Context Sam's Trains... 😄 Impressive looking model - would be interesting to see how the size of that box compares to a regular train set box!

[@milissathreatt8014]

I recently took a trip to Washington DC and saw SR 1401 and since she's a 4-6-2 Pacific her valve gear and connecting rods are huge.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - the rods on some of those US locos are unbelievable!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@adamrushton1740]

Hi Sam I hope you & Chloe had a wonderful day, it was really nice to see you again also what did you think of that SVR leaflet I gave you.

[@Gondarth]

I remember my introduction to the Big Boy being in the PC game, Railroad Tycoon. It was about 20 years ago, I was just a kid, so I naturally wanted to be in control of the biggest steam engine out there. Since it's more or less a business simulator, each train had split pros and cons, and I remember being gutted that the Big Boy was actually a bad runner 🤣