Lionel's Vision Line Big Boy: Back and Better Than Ever!

Lionel's Vision Line Union Pacific Big Boy is Back and Better Than Ever!
The Brady's Trains custom run Big Boy #4013
Brady's Trains: bradystrains.com
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Chapter List:
0:00 - Intro & History
5:00 - Unboxing
10:52 - Model Stats
15:20 - Model Features
19:15 - Close Up & In Depth
26:48 - Price, Price, Price
31:36 - BFIMO
32:05 - Startup & Demo
35:32 - Running Session!
45:00 - Conclusion
46:15 - End Credits
47:39 - Big Boy Opera (deleted scene)

[@Ericstrains]

Video Notes: 1) This video has chapters in case you want to skip around. 2) Don't miss the fun deleted scene at 47:39

[@williammcneely3982]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@donavan2517]

My favorite thing about your videos in particular is how positive you are in them. It doesn't feel like an 'objective' 'professional' review it feels like a giddy railfan geeking out over the latest thing and I love that. I'm not even a huge train person but I watch these reviews for that reason, keep it up.

[@Ericstrains]

Wow, thank you!

[@Amigafur]

For those unaware, Otto Jabelmann was a brilliant inventor and the man who created the Big Boy.

[@f-15TheFkingEagle]

Shut up, toasters dont talk! >:C Now, take a ram card :3

[@QuincyO5b]

oh nice

[@TheBNSFengineer]

The removal of the double chuff from the stacks actually makes it more prototypical and true to the real locomotives. I do like the double chuff but in my opinion the improved realism is better, especially if it means we get safety valve steam!

[@mattkramer4132]

Good point about the inflation factor. I have to commend Lionel for holding their prices pretty steady across the board from starter sets to the top-of-the-line items. Even taking prices from the 1950s Lionel catalogs and running them thru an inflation calculator, you're still getting a good/better deal today on the modern stuff.

[@Agen007DarkKnight]

One of my biggest regrets is not buying a big boy 4014. The second is not buying a Strasburg 90. Very thankful Eric makes train videos!

[@DavidLevine]

Unboxing by Rambo! Such a great, detailed review. Thank you! I agree with all your comments on cost/value. Great ending if folks hung on to the very end.

[@badams0244]

Test

[@steverontti4199]

I think whistle 2 or 3 sounds most like the real 4014. It was such an awesome beast to see when I saw it come through KS in 2021

[@user-bf4mf1bu9m]

The greyhound paint scheme is always so fun to see on UP locomotives and the big boy is truly king of the rails. Also the smoke deflectors on big boys and challengers look so much better. I hope Lionel brings back the heavy challengers like 3985.

[@remie4494]

Well for the features and design of the engine, it's what it is, especially for the size. Absolutely enormous thing it is. I like 4014 a lot for its historic value, but that 4013 is the business and I love variety of choice.

[@Jcentral-gp2hc]

My first locomotive I bought myself and my first non starter set engine and I have to say I’m not disappointed it’s an absolutely beautiful model and the details and features make me very happy to call it my first legacy engine

[@bearowen5480]

Excellent concise and accurate history of the 4000 Class at UP for the uninitiated. You nailed it, my friend. 🐻

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

'Waited and got one. I'd like to add... I only buy Lionel with the latest sound boards- as a father to a daughter, women's voices in railroading is a must. Good job Lionel.

[@Ericstrains]

Yeah, I love how they've started putting more female voices on the locmotives over the years 4 or 5 years.

[@remie4494]

That 4013 is amazing and being able to have 3,kudos to you! That's 🔥🔥🔥

[@fighterhunter2154]

Steam Locomotives have always fascinated me from the time I was just a toddler. Thank you for keeping that flame of interest alive with these really light-hearted and fun videos! I've been excited for this review the second I saw the 2023 catalog

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesdennis2004]

I don't care what people think I love the way that new big boy looks.

[@Ericstrains]

Me too!

[@bearowen5480]

Rolling up to Christmas and Chanukah 2023, for nostalgic Lionel enthusiasts like me your timing of this episode is perfect, Eric. My parents didn't have much money during the immediate post-war period. In 1949 I was four, and begging Santa for a train like the Lionels I was seeing in the local hardware store window. On Christmas morning it wasn't a Lionel, but a Marx freight set buzzing shakingly around the tree in our shabby little rented living room in rural Colfax, Washington, but I was thrilled nonetheless! By Christmas of 1952, like many others, our family's economic situation was looking up. Dad and Mom had bought their first home. It was larger, and I actually had a room of my own. The house was larger and even sported a real wood burning fireplace. My obsession with toy trains had only intensified. Our growing affluence and with a wink from Santa Claus, I was delivered my first Lionel train set which was pulled by a gigantic (in my eyes at least) black 2026 steamer. I was filled with avaricious joy as my mighty Lionel freight consist flew around its tiny circle of O27 track. The rest is a typical common history shared by millions of youngsters across the country who for the past 20 or 30 years are entering their second happy childhood love affair with three-rail O gauge trains. Seeing your boyish excitement as you opened your new Vision Line Big Boy compellingly reminded me of unboxing that first real Lionel 2026 train on Christmas morning, 1952. Your Big Boys and my own four Lionel and MTH 4000 class models are the fulfillment for me of my boyhood fantasies of what Lionel and its competitors would be able to produce in the future of O scale play value, realism and diecast metal heft. Thanks, Eric, for bringing back my sweet memories of runaway boyhood dreams of the good things to come seventy one years hence!

[@EngineerDaylight]

The model, the paint scheme, the sounds, I Love every big about this. That paint scheme SLAPS! 👏

[@Khalif-AllahEntertainment]

This is the coolest big boy I have ever seen. Nice video!

[@railroadguy100]

That is one amazing locomotive. Reminds me of the stories of the big steam on some railroad lines and still, the big day when the engine came out to Ogden with FEF 844. The flag on the sides of the smoke box is really cool

[@BLWorks1982]

That is a sweet looking piece. A awesome train running on an equally awesome layout!

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you very much!

[@williamchastain9510]

Love the video Eric I’ll get mine in 3-4 years when Lionel puts it in the catalog again, and I have enough money for an engine of that caliber.

[@timothybarnett9515]

Can’t wait for my complete set to come in, and Whistle number 3 is my favorite

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

POV train cam is the best feature! Seeing your layout from the cab view!

[@DRCRailroard]

Congratulations, Eric. It's a really nice model. I love the Big Boys. Too bad I'll never be able to justify the cost for one of these or have a layout with curves large enough to run them on. Fortunately for me, I have the scale K-line Bigboy to run for now. I grew up in the sixties/seventies, and one could buy a new car off the showroom floor for $3,500, but at least it could get you your groceries. Now talk about your inflation. It tends to put things in perspective for me. If money wasn't an issue, I would for sure have to get one because I would also have the layout to run it on.

[@mastergunnerysgt1258]

Thank you Eric for showing your Big Boys, for I loved every minute of it and the floor plate that is on the front and in the cab of the engine is called Dimond floor plate, it is the same thing that they put on ships for non slip for the decks. Old Master Gunnery SGT USMC.

[@OfficialDenverRioGrandeWestern]

1:24 correction lol yes technically the Big boy restoration started in 2014 but didn’t get any momentum till 2026 - 2017 because the 844 had to have a rebuild

[@herk8762]

Nobody should ever be holding something against someone for how much money they have, rich middle-class or lower-class. You have clearly earned every dime you have through good character, hard work and determination, and I commend anyone that uses that money for public good. Even if they don't, they earn it and that is their prerogative. To me, you fit into the same category as people buying and restoring old WW2 aircraft for public enjoyment. Yes, few have the resources to do things like that but those that do have earned it, and any resulting animosity is unwarranted. I'm not even an O gauge fan, I like my N gauge stuff. But, this channel is very enjoyable to view. Great layout. I hope to make it to an open house someday. Plus your wife is a fellow Minnesotan so that's also cool.

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@lbeyyt6581]

When you include unboxings in videos it’s the best!

[@JohnHuntt]

Thanks for the detailed information of the Big Boy. I enjoyed the 21-inch passenger cars. Their detail is great. You explain of the cost in reference to inflation was useful. The realism in running around the layout was thought through well. All the angles of the video help were enjoyably I do not look at a 48 min. video but this one was so well done I look at to the end. JH .

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidmaust1415]

I'm happy that someone has enough $$$$$ to purchase one of those nice vision locomotives for us to enjoy watching

[@davidstrainsandlego]

Big boy.... never heard of it, lol Jokes aside, lionel really hit it out of the park with this one, one of the best

[@GoldStandardTrains]

Great review. I am a big fan of the smoke deflectors bc you get 2 engines for the price of one IMO. Im surprised you didn't point out the white walls on the drive wheels. I think Bradys is the only version with this and its nice that they did that. 5 Big boys is gonna be a lot of shelf space being taken up! Hope that Super set comes in for you soon.

[@PhilBender612]

Eric, great review of Brady's Trains Vision Big boy. This thing looks incredible. I think he did a great job with the options and paint choice. I'm totally with you Eric, on the whole Ebay thing. These freaks have insane prices with stupid descriptions, I just end up getting so pissed of with the sellers I leave. (sometimes I message them, "what the hell is wrong with you", Hey, someone needs to tell them.) lol😆

[@Ace_6.7]

Been running mine without the smoke deflectors and on whistle #2 it’s my first big boy and I love it. I may actually get a set of the plain black smoke deflectors to run on it as I like the look better but I’m glad Brady’s did the flag too sets it apart from every other one.

[@nancyedwards1920]

That train lash up is just BEAUTIFUL!!❤💋❤

[@Dachamp2001]

A buddy of mine had the 2014 big boy. He put all 120 cars, give or take, and one of his challengers. His big boy pulled the whole train & all so was dragging the challenger cause it wasn't in sync also up a 2% grade at that.

[@michaelabalos595]

Another superb video Eric. I like #1 horn it's haunting in a way. Because of you a few years ago I've become a model railroader, I love it. Growing the cause. You're an inspiration thank you.

[@user-mz6cu6qe9d]

Amazing big boy 4013

[@jbird845]

That's insane...wish I ordered one from Bradys..

[@athenasfortune254]

you helped mold my childhood!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you

[@lostonessoul5154]

I like whistle number 4. It sounds loud and proud, yet different from what you'd expect of a normal big boy. Kinda fitting for this special version of 4013.

[@marknichols7861]

I don’t run model trains (I have a few random engines, but no track, etc..), but I watch for general interest of the technology and manufacturing abilities. This is one of the finest videos (on any subject matter) that I’ve watched. Your pace and editing are spot on. I want to thank your for the effort you’ve put into the video. This is one beautiful engine set. It appears Lionel makes some nice stuff.

[@marryellen7713]

What amazes me with an articulated locomotive is how they get both sets of driver running at the exact same speed.

[@NorthCarolinian]

Ive been drooling over your trains now for 10 years! You inspired me actually and thru the years ive a massed a bunch of prewar steam locomotives with their tenders and all of them work and pull great. I remember that video in 2014 when you previewed the Big Boy. I was wondering can I have that one since you got this new one??? HAHAHA

[@FA-xw8zz]

great side by side comparisons and explanationing in detail what they both have really enjoy this channel

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@frost_21rr65]

I love whistle number 2! wow thanks for this awesome review Eric!!!

[@edmondmiesch9104]

Nice lay out, good job, awesome.

[@davidvincent9713]

Very nice as always!

[@felixthetrainfan4819]

I really like the huge remodel vision line big boy! So I like the new vision line big boy better than older vision line big boy!

[@scottoblinger5812]

Unreal !! Beautiful landscape of love ....

[@user-ph3ws7qj5t]

SIR ERIC , THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PRESENTATION , WE CAN ALWAYS DREAM , CAN,T WE !!

[@MV-xp6zo]

Absolutely love your videos!!! Thank you for all your hard work. 👍😎🇺🇲

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 👍

[@pepperandzip]

Right when you uncovered it I said wow that is beautiful .There wasn't but a few seconds later you said I think this was more beautiful than the other one you had I mean it was just breathtaking seeing you take that out of the box .

[@johnehlenberger1145]

Feel like a kid again watching your cool video's, thank you for those, really enjoyed them😎

[@Ericstrains]

😃

[@christopherjohnson5236]

Beautiful! Plus last week I met someone at the Greensburg Train show in Edison, NJ wearing your shirt. We had a nice 5 min conversation.

[@Ericstrains]

Oh wow that’s great!

[@mikepopelka2349]

Thanks for being honest about price and ebay. A fantastic model and something worth saving for!

[@Ericstrains]

You bet!

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Great explanation: you articulated the pulling power very clearly.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks

[@johnnysager8899]

Beautiful locomotive and great video!! 👍

[@mattsolfronk6510]

Wow! Great video as always😊

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you! 😃

[@bxjibaro73]

@Eric's Trains - You made a great 👍🏼 case regarding the small price increase from 2014 to 2023 and gave a good rationale as to why.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks!

[@user-oc3rs3ut5x]

What an incredible engine. Great video. Really enjoyed watching it.

[@Ericstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@twilyed]

I agree with you on the safety valve steam feature. Very cool.

[@carlmiles8655]

Hello Eric I enjoy your videos very much I really appreciate how you preface and explain the many differences of your model trains you are very informative I started the hobby from my great grand parents in Brooklyn NY they were big AMERICAN FLYER FANS I was in HO scale for 30 years and while I loved HO scale I had very limited space so I could not operate the kind of trains that I really wanted So a friend of mine who was heavy into N scale got me hooked on N scale I enjoy N scale very much I love the KATO trains the most I model all Amtrak trains since I rode many of those trains back in the days Eric you are a swell person GOD BLESS YOU AND LISA AND. HAPPY HOLIDAYS ;-)

[@donaldwiller9238]

Very cool 😎 thanks for showing it 👍

[@unlucky_charm29]

i watch your reviews while building my minecraft railroad, it's so much fun to have your reviews in my other monitor while i'm playing minecraft in my other one

[@jamesjester2542]

Subbed ya Eric. I really enjoyed that. Keep up the great work. Your attention to detail is astounding.

[@Guytrains]

As always you give great education to new comers

[@daivdwalker2374]

Very sweet engine and tender i think it is a good deal for todays market and all the features you get and like you said theyve only gone up 200$ since 2014 so cant complain there anyways very nice Eric congrats on your new engine and always enjoy your videos

[@Miss-Stephanie-Night]

i didn't know i needed to see a double heading big boy, but now that i have... damn that is majestic. thanks Eric wonderful review

[@billcrowe7111]

Hi Eric, great vid and super review of the 4013. Liked your financial comments part thru the vid. You are absolutely correct, it is expensive, the price increase is below inflation, and more importantly don't get scalped!! There will be another along at some point. But at the end of the day the model is sublime and show cases Lionel's mastery of the craft. Enjoy the Holiday Season. From Bonnie Scotland

[@Ericstrains]

Same to you! Thanks!

[@joestrmic7928]

Merry Christmas eric and happy New Year

[@zachwheeler9846]

Prototypical or not, this Big Boy looks amazing. I love the American Flags on the smoke deflectors, and the Safety steam looks incredible. There's no beating the Big Boy in my opinion. Hard to believe it's been almost 10 years since the original Big Boy was released, doesn't seem like that long ago, I feel old 😫. The review video you put on that Big Boy was one of the first videos I watch on your channel Eric back in 2015, and this video was a nice throwback seeing another Big Boy review and seeing that original Big Boy run with it. Great review Eric!

[@Puddin_Pi]

My baby! 4014 taking the green!! Congratulations

[@DynamicDuo795]

It's a gorgeous engine and I could have gotten one but it wasn't my cup of tea. However I applaud you for pointing out and stating to never save up your hard earned money just to be suckered in and ripped off by those Ebay vultures who mark every thing up above MSRP. I just bought my very first Ebay locomotive last week and I did all of my Ebay research before I pulled the trigger and purchased it. I bought a brand new still sealed in the box MTH Premier PRR Q2 duplex steam engine. I paid only $100 less than the MSRP. It was from the MTH 2010 volume 2 book. I made sure that no one would pull a fast one on me. Ebay is like a stepping into a minefield. Thankfully it runs smooth and with no problems or issues. My next Lionel purchases coming up this new year 2024 will be the Legacy C&O F19 Pacific's. I would love to see you do a complete review on those.

[@douglasschultz9808]

Big boys are supreme power!

[@jazzridez]

What would be an added bonus is to have many mini cameras mounted on the front of the locomotive, on the back of the caboose, mounted inside cas with windows looking out, mounted underneath showing the wheels and trucks then the shots would be viewed on monitors mounted on the walls around the exhibit. Looking at the set up is one thing but to be able to see what it looks like looking out of a car as the trains are working , WOW that would be an added bonus. Cameras are cheap and TV monitors are a dime a dozen.

[@DrewskisTrains_Travels]

Really enjoyed this video Eric!! Love the way you talked about the pricing and how to go about saving for one of these. I think that kind of advice is very useful for people just getting into purchasing high end scale models who may see a model of that price as almost unattainable. Also, that depleting coal load’s movement reminds of the creature from the Star Trek Episode: Devil in the Dark😂. I know you would appreciate this being a Star Trek fan. Again great review and awesome seeing you give Brady’s Trains some love!

[@greglivo]

Doubleheading Big Boys might be the greatest flex in model railroading. LOL

[@skeetermctavish5386]

How cool would it be if some enterprising person would make custom floor plates for the Locomotive cab like your special run. Would love to have one that says 4014. It would also be cool if somebody could make some snap on “After Coolers” for the front Pilot.

[@donholdaway2819]

Some might consider this comment inappropriate, but I don't. I think your new haircut, beard trim and weight loss make you look terrific! Your girl friend Leslie (?) must be duly impressed. I also think you are the MOST articulate person I have ever listened to! I wonder how many OPPS you had :-) I agree the pop-off smoke really makes this an expensive hit! The sacrifice of alternating chuff won't be missed. It was also terrific to see the Big Boy double headed. I haven't had a train layout in years. The former wife didn't allow one (50 years). So I hope very soon to start a simple one with Atlas O-81 curves on the outside. I hope if I ever have any large engines, they will look good on that track. All the best, Eric!

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks! Good luck with the new layout

[@edwardgrossman-qm8kw]

😮

[@KeverettHights]

good and reliable, nice purchase Eric.

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks 👍

[@user-fs5zx7wc6e]

Great informative review! I gotta tell you Eric, since Lisa has come into your life (another MRR lover), your reviews have become significantly better and more creative. Your updated hair style along with a neatly trimmed beard becomes you! Lisa have anything to do with that? Be well Eric and happy holidays!

[@erickstrainworld5488]

hey eric nice video and great looking engine however what you said about the cover for the smoke stack is partly incorrect, while it was used for protecting tunnel liners from the engine exhaust its main use war for directing the smoke away from the side of the engine on the inside of curves at high speed. when going at high speed the smoke from the engine wouldn’t be forced up far enough so they needed to direct it away from the crews line of sight

[@Ericstrains]

The side smoke deflectors, yes. But I think the cap on top of the stacks themselves was to prevent tunnel damage. Maybe I’m wrong, that’s just what I read. Thanks!

[@dr.butters8208]

Such a cool Locomotive, and a great Video too. I don't comment much, but ya earned yourself a subscriber!

[@JasonTheOne111]

WOW, this loco looks so damn realistic!

[@kerrykonecny800]

That's a great "toy train"!!! Great video! Thank you!

[@jameskinglion]

Wow, with the double header of the big boys the noises is cray

[@simonleyman9290]

eric your living the dream my mate living the dream

[@3dartistguy]

wow some POVshots! awesome1

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Well it just goes to show if they built it someone will buy it, nice addition to your collection there Eric 👍👍

[@Northcoastrails]

What a beautiful steam engine

[@ryantaylor3278]

Glad I was able to secure the last one from Brady. I emailed him on a whim and he told me to call him and he had one left haha, even though its listed as sold out on the website. Shipped it out to me today. I dont even have a layout to run it due to limited space, but I'll display it and probably join the O Scale club in Kennesaw, Ga near where I live. I'm pumped. I primarily collect HO broadway limited steam but i couldnt pass this up. I may have to get Brady's PRR run of the triplex later next year.

[@badams0244]

Test

[@Ericstrains]

Awesome!

[@Prairieshutterbug64]

Excellent vid! Would love to also see the variable ash pan glow effect in a future video.

[@ppivovarni]

Loved your video.

[@user-ph3ws7qj5t]

MUST OF BEEN AWESOME TO TRAVEL BY RAIL BACK IN THE DAY, I DID TAKE AN OVERNIGHTER TRAIN TO USN BOOT CAMP TO WAKEKIN ILLINOIS, BACK IN 1977.

[@MrStevesTrains]

That is so beautiful 🤩 I have one as well through the Muffin Man #X4000. But I don’t have is a Lagacy system and I won’t cheapen the effect with a “ LionChief” app. So I guess I’ll have to wait for the Cab3. Way to go Lionel, way to go. Great video Eric! ❤️👍🏻

[@badams0244]

Eric, great video and a beautiful version of the latest Vision Line Big Boy. Re pricing and resale .. like you've said, adjusted for inflation this model is basically the same price as the 2014 version and with more features. Neither were cheap to begin with (per your Bentley analogy) but Lionels current pricing (inflation adjusted) is on par or in some cases a better value than previous offerings. Re the resale market .. I don't think it's a rarity issue but rather collectability and demand for an item that drives pricing, which as a free-market enthusiast I support. i.e., I imagine those that have taken early delivery on the new Tesla Cyber Truck could probably sell at a nice profit .. but they won't be rare.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Great video 😊

[@Ericstrains]

Thanks

[@ericwilliams2619]

That is one extraordinary locomotive i agree 💯 the steam valve effects are very extraordinary and prototypical Eric I've been following you every sense you started your youtube channel very impressive layout and train collection 👍🏻✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️