Model Railroad N-Scale 4x8 Layout In Progress 12 - Day Operation. The Kato Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive and Chicago Metra trains are running in DCC mode.
Layout Changes:
- Added 2 hedges along road.
- Added mountain greenery.
- Covered visible white facia glue with blended turf.
- Added Woodland Scenics Kids Clubhouse behind house on the beach.
- Scenery adjustments to be able to run the Kato UP Excursion cars.
UP 4-8-8-4 BIG BOY STEAM LOCOMOTIVES Prototype Information:
The 4-8-8-4 Big Boy is an articulated Steam Engine manufactured by the American Locomotive Company between 1941 and 1944. The Union Pacific was the sole purchaser of these engines, owning and operating a total of 25 of the colossal 600 ton engines. The 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement combined stability and power, with the four wheel leading truck allowing for smoother entry into curves while the two sets of 8 drive wheels provided 135,375 lbf of tractive force. The trailing four axle truck helped support the large firebox that was needed to keep the massive engine fed. The original Big Boy engines were coal powered, with 4014 being converted to oil when it was rebuilt after its retirement to be used in excursions.
The Big Boys plied the rails as reliable workhorses until the final unit was retired from revenue service in 1959, with eight engines surviving today. While most of the survivors are static display pieces, unit 4014 was re-purchased in 2014 by the Union Pacific and rebuilt in a five year process that brought it back into service as the largest, most powerful operating steam locomotive in the world, touring in 2019 and again in 2021 to celebrate the history of America’s transcontinental railroads and the Union Pacific’s commitment to preserving its history.
UP EXCURSION TRAIN & WATER TENDERS Prototype Information:
Almost no other railroad in this country has retained its historical equipment and honored its past like the Union Pacific. The preservation of its fleet speaks to the high value Union Pacific places on its heritage and its role in Americas history.
The Union Pacific prides itself on its history and retains a fleet of cars from its past to use with excursion trains - these special trains, often pulled by special locomotives such as the FEF-3 #844, allow people to experience a classic passenger train experience in a modern day setting, and often feature special cars such as the “Promontory” Museum car - a 1962 vintage baggage car which has been filled from top to bottom with interactive displays outlining the railroad’s colorful and storied history.
Model Information:
The 7-car Excursion train consist features two brand new cars - A Power Car (A modified/rebuilt Baggage Dormitory car prototypically used for providing head end power to the trailing cars) and a UP Business car “Kenefick”, forming the head and tail of the excursion consist, which also includes notable cars like the vibrantly decorated Promontory Museum car, with its full-body American Flag wrap, and a pair of Dome cars.
The Water Tenders are an all-new design and are sold as a two-pack for modelers to supplement their FEF-3 or other UP steam locomotives. Just like the prototype models, the two tenders are not identical, having (in addition to one car having an externally mounted American Flag plate) different weld mark details which will be replicated on the models of the two cars, ensuring that their unique spirit is preserved when translated into model form.
Note: I would like to thank the "James' N Scale Layout Project" channel for the track plan, ideas and many inspirational videos!