Watch this before running your Lionel Vision Line Big Boy!!!

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Click here to see more! kzbin.info/aero/PLA8r-SuqMXWGHpeTazBIDMjslZjC9oLO9

[@TwistedMacGyversTrains]

Awesome video! I think you did an excellent job explaining in detail the issues that you had with your Big Boy locomotive. Sorry you had so many issues it does happen every once in a while. I’m really glad you didn’t give up on Lionel. Wishing you much better luck with your triplex! 👍

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thank you very much!

[@WeMustRebell]

Brother, YOU are doing a fantastic job! THIS is what a true "review" looks like, the good and the BAD. We have way to many "fanboys" on here just pimping products for manufactures. To point out shortcomings and mistakes does not make a "hater" as some like to say. Again, I have become a fan of your work and wish you nothing but success.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thanks for your kind words!! This is really motivating to keep improving my content!

[@anthonysutube]

Great video! There’s absolutely no excuse for having issues with a $3,000 locomotive. A model costing that much should have a top notch mechanism. Will be avoiding this loco because of the known issues.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow, Anthony

[@Craiggg12345]

@@kgtrains😂😂😂

[@bryanparr7274]

I purchased the same model Big Boy, put it on the track and sure enough got the flashing cab light. Because of your video I had no issue soldering the wire back on myself. I couldn't believe the top is held on by only four screws. Keep up the great work.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

This makes my day, Brian!! So happy to be able to help!

[@MrStevesTrains]

Great review video, appreciate it. At this price level there’s no excuse for damaged wiring or unsoldered wires. Disappointing. lol 😊 the Mickey hand cracks me up! 🤣

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thanks Steve! I really appreciate the support, and agree. So many in the hobby and come to accept these kinds of defects. And this is exactly why they continue to get away with them. Ah, the Mickey hand. I wanted to do something different, and that just brings joy as I make videos. I'm glad you enjoy it as well, it seems to be a hit.

[@carldebellis7310]

That is such a nice engine. I love big articulated steam locomotives.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

It absolutely is! It's really enjoyable to share these things with everyone!

[@joesattler2773]

This is one of the most in-depth reviews of the 2024 Lionel Vision Line Big Boys that I have seen. Kudos to you for showing the smoke unit features, as well as the other features of this fine model. I received this same model (the oil burning version) during the holidays from my wife and I love it. However, I did not notice the ash pan glow effect (I only ran the engine twice, I need to enlarge my layout). From what I was told this oil burning version does not have the ash pan glow effect, due to it not being coal-fired- unless I am missing something. Maybe you can let me know, or maybe one of your followers? I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[@BigBoyTrains-]

I have not actually noticed if mine is glowing or not. I will look into it soon. . . At the moment I just moved my entire layout to the basement.

[@zachmcevilly2271]

I have two of these Big Boys, 4019 and 4025 (Train Loft exclusive). 4025 has been great, zero issues. 4019 however stopped making stereo sound. Me being handy, and having engines damaged by Lionel repairs in the past, decided I better investigate it myself. Found that the wiring to the IR generator was pinched by the factory under the rear drivers. Had to take it all apart, desolder the wiring from the IR LED, run new wiring into the engine, then… Had no issues. I too had “wet” wiring under the removable plate from smoke fluid, I initially thought that was the sound issue, but I was able to get that all remedied as well. So, yes, gotta go slow with the smoke on these and give them some time to absorb, and also use a needle dropper for the whistle as well. Great video! And also love Berwyn’s been there many times and are great people to deal with.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

This is some pretty solid info, Zach! Thank you for sharing. And thank you for the support!

[@jpthepenguin3833]

Your review is top shelf and relevant and reinforced why not to purchase such a 2,500.00 model with known issues? Really not to solder properly, batting issues with smoke units and then OWNER pays shipping for known issues? QC non-existent? You a better man than I. Now just loathe the ten😢s of thousands spent over 50 years of purchasing Lionel. Not a hater yet between out dated electronics, no parts a couple years post production, zinc rot- just no fun! But thanks, you’ve reinforced my decision to just watch all these fantastic you tube productions & enjoying those lucky enough to see these models on the tracks and actually running! 😊

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thanks, JP. It's people like yourself that really make it enjoyable for us to create content. I made a few mistakes in this video, that I will continue to work on improving/preventing. But the fact that you overlook those mistakes to enjoy the rest of the video, really is motivating for me. Thank you for your kind words!

[@av8tor1908]

I agree, excellent video. Quit buying Lionel when junk kept arriving at my door step. Things happen. When there’s something wrong with everything delivered, it’s a QC problem they careless about correcting.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

@@av8tor1908 Thank you!

[@av8tor1908]

You’re welcome you did a fabulous job and enjoyed watching.@@BigBoyTrains-

[@asdfdsa45]

Zinc rot is what bothers me most about Lionel, has any MTH model suffered with zinc rot? I can't recall ever seeing any. Lionel dealt with zinc rot way back in 1937 with their 700E scale NYC Hudson which they resolved in 1938 so why, in 2024, are we getting stuck with high end models with QC issues as severe as zinc rot? I don't trust Lionel at this point.

[@delawarehudson2069]

Super video, I have the same 4014 BB oil version, same problem disconnected wire. Was thinking about adding more smoke fluid in all places but was a little scared because of the notice in the owners manual: "DO NOT EXCEED 20 DROPS as this can cause your smoke unit to become over- saturated allowing leakage onto the electronics." I was concerned about the electronics. Again fantastic video and can't wait to see your review on the triplex. I also purchased 4012 Vision Line Big Boy, had to go back to Lionel to fix the 4-digit programming that wouldn't work. They replaced a faulty bluetooth chip. Thanks for your positive and negative review, that's the way they all should be! Mike

[@artiefufkin1705]

Great review! I especially like the Mickey hand. It reminds us to have fun. After all, isn't that why we enjoy this hobby? Just subscribed and looking forward to more videos.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thanks for the sub! I can promise lots of efforts is going towards improving on every video, for your enjoyment

[@asdfdsa45]

This is a great video!! Thank you for taking the time to address issues with these Visionline Big Boys. Your camera work is clear and focused, really appreciate it. I bought a Visionline Class A (with caution and concerns) and I've operated the smoke units enough to make sure no burning odor happened, it didn't. Since then, I've turned all smoke units off, reserving them for a short show but when I operate it for myself, - no smoke!!. Fortunately, my Class A has not demonstrated any of these issues so I feel lucky. I guess Lionel should have bought MTH smoke units since they've been superior ever since their inception. 🙂🙄 I think I'll hold off on a Visionline Big Boy since I have the last JLC model which was an early Legacy version, same detailing. Watching for a Visionline C&O Allegheny or Virginian Blueridge if they are prototypically correct. Thanks again for your information, on these high end models, videos like this are very enlightening.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thank you for the kind words. I's really appreciated!

[@DavidMartin-fq4gs]

Way cool! Great & informative video!

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thank you, David!

[@shadowknight99999]

This is my dream locomotive, i fell in love with the 4-8-8-4 at steam town when i was a kid.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Same here, except mine was when I saw it outside Chicago after the restoration.

[@Coreyt1976]

Great in depth review. I don’t have any Lionel engines yet, but I plan on buying some soon. Thanks for sharing the good and the bad.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thank you for the kind words, Corey! It's tough these days with no controllers in production for Lionel or MTH. . I would love to run MTH, but I have no way to control them. I hope the both come through this summer.

[@Coreyt1976]

@@BigBoyTrains- I completely understand. I don’t have any Lionel for the same reason. I was able to buy a new DCS system when I first got into the hobby 3 years ago. I paid a higher price but it wasn’t ridiculous. When I decided to look for a Legacy it was too late. The prices were where they are now.

[@JamesGaston-v4g]

Amazing video have a great day today

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@FrankDombrowski-c1o]

Could the reason the loco is not moving be the fact that not all wheels are properly on the track? If you go to the 2:20 - 2:30 mark you can clearly see that the last set of wheels under the cab are not completely on the track.

[@edwingarcia232]

Great video . I love to start collecting but I don’t know where to start ?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

I know that pain. . Get a loop of track, and power supply. The. Decide if you want to get Lionel or MTH command control.

[@dagoodsoldier6715]

I have two questions: (1) how much clearance do you have between the track and that trestle? Looks like the big boy overhang wouldn’t fit. (2) I have that 21” UP baggage car. The one with the 3-axle trucks. The wheels on the 3rd axel scrub up against the bottom of the kinematic coupler cover. It increases the rolling friction to the point where it feels like 3 passenger cars instead of one. Obviously no problem to a big boy that could probably pull thirty 21” passenger cars but I just wonder have you noticed that.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

The Big Boy cleared the trestle just fine. The camera angle made it look closer than what it was. The 21" cars, for the first 2 months I had them I pulled them with the tiny Russian Decapod 1630, that's at the end of the video. I have another video showing Frisco 1630 pulling them with little difficulty.

[@dagoodsoldier6715]

My engine had no problems either. My concern was wear on the engine having to pull a car with more rolling friction than normal. Especially when you are pulling up inclines. Your incline looks very steep btw. What grade is your incline?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

@@dagoodsoldier6715 Oh no, I only mentioned my smallest and weakest engine to state that it pulls freely with no real issue. Will check again when I get the track setup tomorrow. I am moving the whole layout this week. I have a 4.7% grade provided by the 24 piece kit from MTH. www.trainworld.com/mth-40-1145-realtrax-24-piece-graduated-trestle-system-for-lionel-fastrack.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6KWvBhAREiwAFPZM7kuJXL4dbkNBlhspULDqiiAH8SEjKC6bo2-Ckqp2O5u1HJFTYNeD2BoCy9EQAvD_BwE

[@dagoodsoldier6715]

Wow….that’s pretty steep. Yeah let me know. This is my third 21” passenger car with 3 axle trucks where the wheels scrub up against the kinematic coupler cover. I just wonder if all of them do it.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

I finally opened my Big Boy after sitting in the shipping box for 6-mos. 'Seems my blow down fan isn't working. Plenty of billowing smoke from within the unit (kinda cool actually) but no blowdown. My question: reticent to sending to Lionel (I've heard too many horror stories) and a deep desire to understand my own maintenance and repair, is opening one of these up all that challenging? My guess is my fan unit needs a little TLC that's all. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Ken, with the blow down unit. I have had good luck using a can of compressed air and giving a quick shot into the fill port. Let me know how that works. [e-mail]

[@rodgeroxie8459]

What is the turn action. In the curves. . How many curve track does it take for the train to go around the track?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

O-72, and 16 sections

[@t110k]

I bought Big Boy 4019 in January. It seems the blow down smoke only works manually with my cab 2 remote. Is that the way its supposed to be? Or does it have a sequence like the pop off smoke? Great video! Hope i dont have tear mine apart any time soon!

[@BigBoyTrains-]

The blow down smoke is a manual operation. And great to hear yours is just fine!!

[@doctordeath.5716]

And 200.00 dollars for the new cabooses made by lionel is crazy, for that price it better have a smoke unit and alot of action and opening doors and crew people inside of the caboose and a person holding a lantern in there hand moving it

[@gstephengoss1]

You missed one . St Louis Mo has a big boy #4006.

[@BigBoyTrains-]

You are absolutely right. Somehow, I rolled back too far in the edit and removed that one on accident. Nice catch!!

[@welcometowherever7475]

@@BigBoyTrains-4023 was also skipped. That one is in omaha

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Yup, I went back and looked, and found the next audio clip was accidentally pushed back too far and rolled right over those. . Sad because 4023 is my 2nd favorite, as it was the first one I ever saw in person. . I'm just going to use this as motivation to do better on future videos😊

[@gstephengoss1]

Well #4006 was the first one for me.

[@daivdwalker2374]

How do i enter 2 win?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

All you have to do is subscribe. I will announce details in my next video. But the winner will be randomly selected from those subscribed, as a thank you for supporting me and my channel.

[@rodgeroxie8459]

Isn’t Lionel made in America.? I’m just asking. I thought they had moved to Florida?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

They are made over seas

[@walteranderson5090]

Who wants to send their their 3 thousand $ engine back to Lionel? I had to send my Challenger back coupla years ago, to get the right chuff sequence. All the Challengers had the WRONG CHUFF.🤯🤯🤯 It's really bad to hear more quality issues with Lionel's high Dollar items. Where's Mr.Cox???

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Completely agree, Walter. And even if we were ok sending it back, no one should have to.

[@corntater5848]

I will not spend that kind of money with a company that does not care about their quality control, as for my wallet I will buy the 1940s and 50s models that have stood the test of time when lionel cared about the product they were selling

[@BigBoyTrains-]

I completely understand that feeling!

[@asdfdsa45]

In their simplicity, prewar and postwar 'toy' trains are superior in quality to these tech plagued high end models built with cheap construction. I wonder what these techy models would be like if they were built with 1940's - 50's quality control. Lionel - at least go back to Korea, they were far better than China.

[@DavidSmith-jj5pr]

"pay for shipping" after spending that kind of money on a defective product 🤣

[@BigBoyTrains-]

I said the same thing

[@billwashburn8568]

It is what happens when stamped with “made in China”, and yes in China it is called slave labor. For $3k you would think they could make it in somewhere that allows for quality, Taiwan?

[@BigBoyTrains-]

Sad that things have come to that.

[@Craiggg12345]

Yeah cry about that to the companies that make all your electronics or car parts 😂😂😂😂

[@billwashburn8568]

@@Craiggg12345 I won’t cry about it I will just vote DJT to move manufacturing back where it belongs.

[@doctordeath.5716]

Lionel is way out of control with there prices, and and I fell Lionel is Is favoring the rich people and do not care about anyone else at all and have poor quality control because of how cheaply made there new products are and all there problems they are having with there 1700.00 to 3000.00 plus dollars, when they brought the tryplex back out 3 years ago if I remember correctly, they have alot of problems with them when they came out with the pipes breaking off and other stuff and all. I will buy the older used Lionel items

[@ВалерийФилиппов-д8о]

Super lokomotiv.