N Scale Big Boys are Big Right Now

[@crazysdk]

I was running a Big Boy/turbine reefer train at the club layout the other day. A little kid got so excited at seeing the Big Boy that he pointed at it and ecstatically told his father "it's the Big Boy!" He was glued to it until his dad had to finally usher him along so they could see the rest of the layout. I have an Athearn, but may eventually get a Broadway or KATO. Can't decide which.

[@rwissbaum9849]

Back in the early 1960s, Model Railroader ran a series of articles titled "The Art of Superdetailing" using the Big Boy as the base model. I recall almost nothing about the series of articles, but one letter stands out: a reader commented, "Who can afford a Big Boy? Get real!" At the time, Big Boys were all brass, imported from Japan (I think Tenshodo made them), and they cost - wait for it - $99.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I wish that was still the price. What's really crazy is that if you do the inflation math from 1969 to 2023. $99 in 1969 is $823 today. I have been finding Brass N Scale Big Boys for as low as $600 used recently

[@rwissbaum9849]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad The big selling point for brass locomotives was how smoothly they ran - the mechanisms out of Japan were far superior to domestically produced models. The drawback - and, I believe, the reason they are not highly sought after today - is that they needed careful disassembly, cleaning, priming and painting. I did this for a DRGW Consolidation in the 1980s and it was a HUGE pain! Regarding inflation, by any measure, we are paying LESS today, in terms of purchasing power, for models that are much more reliable and more detailed. This is, I think, due to improved manufacturing technology and, to a lesser extent, growing numbers of hobbyists, which improve the economies of scale.

[@bc5441]

I had a late 1960s Rivarossi plastic Big Boy. I don’t remember what it cost but I’m guessing they were ~$50. It ran on my gradeless 4x8 with 18” radius curves and must have looked pretty crazy doing it.

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Yes, Jimmy. Please do show us the DCC-Sound version of the Kato Big Boy when it becomes available. I'm planning to get one. ...Roy

[@Cee_Eff]

I recently bought a refurbished BLI Heavy Pacific. Very nice unit. It will never compete with a Big Boy, but it will run on my tight layout and look cool. Sound is amazing

[@NYandAtlantic]

Can’t wait to see them head to head I don’t have a layout big enough for a big boy if I did it would be Kato

[@pinchy08]

Ok. So far I’m getting mesmerized by the smoking unit in the Broadway Limited Big Boy. I nearly regret not having one. The reason I decided to get the Kato one instead is because of the firebox detail and how it no longer has the ash pan. Unfortunately for the Athearn version they kept the ash pan. Even though it has an oil tender connected to it. Even attempting a post restoration model Athearn couldn’t get rid of the ash pan. It’s the only tooling they have. But it looks like Broadway got rid of the ash pan too. And also has duel motor drive wheels like Kato has. Are you gonna get the Broadway Limited Challenger when it comes out?

[@davidbarr9343]

Great video on models of an iconic locomotive. In the UK we have The Flying Scotsman which is famous and still runs today. 😊🇬🇧

[@HobbiesRfun]

I have all three Big Boys. The Athearn, BLI, and Kato versions. I guess that makes me a Big Boy addict. I got to see the real 4014 twice when I lived in Southern California, near Colton California. The first time was when it on display in Colton before it made it's trip to Cheyanne to be restored, and then the second time in Colton, when it made it's return trip to California, after it was restored.

[@LocGeek]

And Minitrix in Europe also releasing one in 2024 (including sound and smoke generators).

[@Treinspotter_HWD]

you should try to buy/order the minitrix 16990 bigboy, it just came out. it has smoke generators and sound etc.

[@kenworthcustomlogisticstru8096]

Yes get the DCC version of the Big boy

[@TimberSurf]

Thats crazy, who thought they could pack that much in N and soooooo much detail. Hats off, Broadway are putting all the competition to shame! Even Accurascale need to pay attention. (UK modeller)

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

Broadway Limited's Big Boy wasn't the first N scale locomotive to have smoke- that honor goes to Arnold-Rapido's DB 2-8-2 steamer made back in the 80s.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

I had to play around with harness to get the Kato to work after decoder install.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I actually watched your video and it convinced me to be like “Nope! I’m done”

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad well I appreciate you watching my video anyway lol. I’m trying to sell off a few items to offset the price of another dc version to install. I will attempt to add sound. I’d like to see how Kato handles their harness to the tender. Hope to see you review on it.

[@joepinto509]

Broadway limited doesnt have duel motor let alone it dont have the rear traction tire/ wheel on the rear drivers....let alone dont have rhe builders plate decals on it .. athearn is on the mark on details and whistle with decals . ..had several issues with bli drive gear on the wheels spins/ strips on the axle. ...also im on my third smoke unit too. . kato second run might be diecast or brass do to it being to light weight..it weights at 5.4 oz bli at 8.5 oz and athearn is at 7.7..

[@FlyboythaACE]

I've been away from my hobby for awhile and didn't know a bli smoking big boy existed! I gotta have one now. I really hope bli does a run of the UP DDA40X OMG that thing would be awesome too.

[@tim_c618]

Great reviews Jimmy! I run HO and BLI has a 2024 Big Boy release in the stealth line, I may just have to pre-order one.

[@rob6972]

Just wondering if I can actually wire my layout buy running my wires on my highline poles to structures like in the real world.

[@barryolson8428]

I an trying to find your video on using a arduino nano to control a kato switch. One switch oniy no extra relays for more switches. just ONE switch for my t-trak module.

[@jnbhalhalverson9046]

get the DCC/sound Kato BigBoy and run them side-by-side, that way we'll see for ourselves which one we like better! (I have the Athern BigBoy already!)

[@4everdc302]

Jimmy. BigBoys are definitely, Merica🇺🇲 Our recognized steam is CN6060🇨🇦😋 Congrats on your BigBoys.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Not to mention that, usually the first thing you have to do with a Kato to get it to run with anything else is change out the couplers.

[@telusman]

I love that you bought a BLI for comparison! I now own two of the BLI big boys (what have i done?) and they're quite amazing. They would pull a little more with a 2nd set of traction tires and it loathes my curvy / steep layout but i still love it. You are right about it finding bad track, getting my first BB actually prompted some minor re-designs in areas that no other loco's had issues. Once i got them mostly tacked down they run pretty great. They actually made my layout feel "complete", not sure why. The smoke is great but i actually disabled it as sometimes if you're not extremely careful fluid can run into the boiler and fowl the electronics. Are you going to look at one of their Challengers next year?

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Oh you bet I’m getting the challengers

[@davec8401]

If anybody is looking at this video RIGHT NOW - BLI is offering the paragon 4 Bigboy N scale DCC/smoke for $299! Yes that's right. You just have to sign up for their club ($30)

[@CSXRobert]

That's a heck of a deal, BUT, the loco won't ship until December. Trainworld actually has them on sale for $350 right now.

[@MrTech2three]

@DIYDigitalRailroad. Jimmy, do you recommend the bli big boy. Ive seen some complaints about the smoke unit leaking and or the decoder frying. What size radius are you running them on? Keep up the great videos!

[@AtomHeartMother68]

Good video. I converted my kato with the soundtraxx big steam decoder. It was a challenge for sure but rewarding. Biggest issue is ensuring no wires interfere with the driver trucks at all or it will derail. Mine is functioning 100% now.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Did you just use the pickups in the tender for power or did you get power from the drive wheels too?

[@AtomHeartMother68]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad I used the pick ups in the tender. Also I didn't wire the headlight to the decoder, yet. I didn't have small enough wire on hand at the time so it's constant on. I'll tackle that when I have more time. I did add a keep alive and red / white back up lights since there's so much room in the tender. It's a really nice runner I must say. In spite of its light weight it'll still pull 40 cars up my half percent grade on my layout. My mallet is still king though, for pulling power ;-)

[@davidf9630]

Great video Jimmy… unfortunately, I don’t have big boy budget but it’s really interesting the way you break it down

[@despacitoRC]

Looking to buy one of it, which sounds better? Kato or BLI?

[@Wrzlprnft]

I wonder how difficult it is to fit a smoke generator to other BLI engines with a Paragon 4 decoder.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

From what I’ve been told, the Reading T1 is the smallest engine it can fit in.

[@Wrzlprnft]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad Oh, thanks for the info! So it's more of a "does it fit the chassis" thing and less a "how to wire it up to a generic Paragon 4" thing? Been eyeing that PRR T1 as a centerpiece of a new "mainline in the shelves along the entire side of the room" layout, and if i truly go all out with a single locomotive, might as well try and fit a smoke generator to it if the decoder can do it already.

[@horaciovera7678]

My good friend please I will like to know if the big boy has a reverse light when going back on DC or Dcc.

[@victorreznov9940]

The reverse light works on both DC and DCC

[@VeekerStudios]

Awesome video! Does the BLI feature an operating front coupler included in the box, or would that have to be a modelling project?

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I know it has a coupler you can swap but I need to go back and check if it’s decorative or functioning.

[@VeekerStudios]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad Thank you very much, that'd be great to know. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

[@SFCRambo60]

I had to glue 2 rerailers together for my Big Boys. If not it makes really hard to get on the rails

[@GJBC_Grey]

I have a n scale layout with the 150th anniversary 4014 by athern

[@Melinko7902]

Newish viewer and to the hobby, while I have to admit I am disappointed to hear we won't see a Kato Big Boy DCC conversion... I bought a DC Big Boy anticipating being able to follow your video to convert to DCC, however I cannot fault you for the models complexity. Hope you share that video even if it was a fail, it's still a good learning/teaching opportunity!

[@johnbanicki7232]

They are very nice that is sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@stuartaaron613]

Jimmy, when doing your eight-hour test of the Broadway Limited Big Boy, did you experience a common problem with Paragon 3 and Paragon 4 engines, namely that while running, you will suddenly hear the brake squeal, the engine comes to a halt, the cab light turns on, and then a moment later the engine starts running again like nothing happened? I have experienced this with my four BLI P4 Alco RSD-15 diesels, and other members of my club have experienced this with other P3 and P4 engines. I also found a person who does N scale reviews, and he has also experienced this. It doesn't matter what control system you use. This problem is especially annoying when running engines in a consist, one engine does this while the other tries to keep pulling the train, spinning its wheels futilely, until the other engine starts running again.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Hey Stuart. I have experienced this with P3 diesels. It was actually a pretty simple fix. Basically sometimes lubricant gets to power pickup contacts. If you can, pop the trucks off and clean all the contacts and metal with some IPA and a toothbrush, you should have good results. I use a cheap ultrasonic toothbrush. This happens less with P4 because of the capacitor and less with steamers because the mechanism is different. Hope this helps!

[@stuartaaron613]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad Maybe you can do a video on this. While I have no fears taking apart an HO engine, N scale ones are a little more intimidating. I have installed sound in some N scale Atlas diesels, but I'm more cautious with BLI ones.

[@michaelpfister1283]

Okay. I am not a big fan of steam power, I much prefer diesel power, but when that thing is chugging along with smoke? OK, yeah, you got me. Awesome!

[@monarchco]

"big boys are usually the pride of a collection" Meanwhile I'm over here with a scaletrains gtel 8500 that is actually longer than the big boy by a decent amount.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Well yeah I would have that on a shelf above the layout with spotlights on it haha!

[@NitroStarGT]

Great video again! Would I like you to aquire and compare the Kato DCC w/sound version??...... Let me see here..... YES 😊😮😂

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Lovely scenery!! What’s the location? The only location I know is the Shelbyville, Indiana Freight Depot, to which my cousins in Shelbyville visit to collect vehicle parts for their company, National Automotive Lines.

[@mrmarkle7088]

BTW! If you use the play back speed of .5 it's perfect for realism

[@markarnold8160]

These, and the Challengers are phenomenal locomotives. I admire the work that goes into creating one in N scale. As to whether I'll get one............maybe not as I can get three or four diesels for the same money.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

I cannot wait for the BLI Challenger with smoke!

[@cinema2k]

Awesome 😎

[@petermenningen338]

Jimmy you're going to have to put in powered fume extraction in your train room for all of that smoke, LOL I hope you're letting the better half pick out the smoke flavor.

[@GogglesPisano13]

We have several manufacturers producing Big Boys in multiple scales despite the fact there were only 25 of them, yet we can't get a single manufacturer to produce a NYC/NKP H5 (not USRA) Mikado in any scale when there were over 1,000 real-world examples. 🙄

[@charlesmcclure5994]

Hope it didn't set off your smoke detectors

[@edwardaudet8367]

Jimmy for the amount of money your spending on these train, your wife must love you very much. My wife got wind of me buying an almost 500 dollar engine she put me in the garage and leave me there, at least the basement is heated. But to answer your question I'd love to see a sound Kato big boy. I'll admit I really love the Broadway Limited it just makes so much smoke and sound, I didn't believe I see N scale smoke

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Shhh don't tell her....JUST KIDDING. I have been trying a new idea with channel of "I spend more money so that you spend less." Trains are expensive and if I can help a viewer decide on a model and be happy, then I'm happy.

[@edwardaudet8367]

@@DIYDigitalRailroad Jimmy, Your channel to me is one I enjoy every time I drop in which is regularly. I just can't wait for another episode. Your always informative, and come up with unusual things. I'm pretty old been in the hobby on and off over 50 years. And believe it or not I've enjoyed and learned more about the hobby in the last few years watching your videos. I always wanted to try DCC and now I have a small fleet of trains that run DCC, I have a very large fleet that run DC, so I keep my layout with switches to switch to what I'm ready to run for the day. I just wanted to Thank You for all you have done to make this hobby great.

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

Hmm, I wonder if it’s big?

[@archiecoolsdown5854]

Ok. I will stay in 1432 and wonder what could be better than a brass Bigboy.

[@kenshores9900]

Sure compare them why not!

[@Axllovestrainz14]

That’s what you get from a big boy 3:49

[@TheOtherDerek]

Call me old fashioned but I like locos without sound.

[@williamthawley9251]

totally suprised me, now if we can only get bli to make an ho and N camelback. this engine is a winner

[@ForYouTube-rb1fo]

Any chance of a tug of war between the models?

[@NICKSSHOP]

ooh poo great video man can that smoke well Broadway Limited run good on my second Channel I subscribe to you bec that one is about trains this one is just my main i use all the time

[@MaxwellTheTrainFan]

Is it really ? At the start you said if it’s one engine that all people know it’s bigboy I am sorry but no … it’s not Me being from the uk I have to say it’s the flying Scotsman. She is the most famous steam engine ever . Known by everyone I mean she has came to you guys over in the USA for some years . Soooooo if you were to ask me I would say flying Scotsman tho I guess we’re both correct . I mean the most famous engine in the uk is flying Scotsman no doubt about it Whilst the most famous engine in the USA is probably the bigboy Tho for us the scotsman is a big engine I mean she is a pacific Tho your bigboy dwarfs our scot … completely 😂😂😂 Anyways that’s enough blabbering from me . Bye

[@Gilsreptiles]

👍👌✌