Layout #2, Video#26 - Unboxing the long-awaited Kato Big Boy with factory DCC and sound
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- čas přidán 24. 03. 2024
- This is our 67th video documenting our exploration of the model railroading hobby. It is the 26th video for our second (N Scale) layout. In this video, we unbox the new Kato Big Boy with factory DCC and sound. We also compare it to the Athearn Genesis Big Boy and the Broadway Limited Imports Big Boy.
Kato took a long time getting the DCC and sound version out. The analog version was delivered on time last summer, but it is reported that there were problems with the DCC and sound installation procedure, so it finally arrived this month. As I expected, it is a well made model. Kato went all out for this model, including making a matching SD70M diesel with the number 4015. This is a model of the exact SD70M that accompanied the Big Boy on the excursion tour they did the year that Kato was researching the train (2021).
The Kato is built for modelers to run and use. It looks good, but is not quite as detailed as the Athearn or BLI version. The default DCC address is set by the factory to 4014 instead of the normal 03 most new locomotives come with. This makes it convenient and ready for most modelers to use with no changes to the programming. I like to set my throttles to limit the locomotives to realistic speeds, and I will have to increase the default volume a little bit. Other than my preferences for those tweaks, it is ready to run (and yes, I know you can just run it at a partial throttle to keep it realistic).
And it is one heck of a running train. It is very smooth and pulls better than most locomotives I have. We tested it with a load of 32 coal cars up a 2% grade. It circled the layout with absolutely no problems from that. In short my son made, it pulls all the Kato rolling stock we have, a total of 59 freight cars. I am amazed at the pulling power it has, much as I am amazed at the prototype's power and size.
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I have my Kato Big Boy 4014. But in DC analog. Despite mine not having sound it runs like a dream. And it does a great doubleheader with my Kato UP FEF-3 Northern 844. I also like how the Kato Big Boy has the words “Big Boy” chocked on the smokebox. That’s what UP did as a nod to how those beasts got their name. I gotta get diesel 4015.
I had originally bought the FEF-3 #844 to run as a double header with the Big Boy also. It worked well when I used it with the Athearn 4014, but in the meantime I have gotten used to running it on its own. I might try it again now that the Kato Big Boy matches it.
Please do. I have yet to review my Kato N scale Big Boy 4014 model. But I kept it on the back burner because I feel DCC and Sound equipped locomotives are a much popular CZcams content. But I’ll get to it soon. And I should do another review of the Kato Amtrak ALC 42 chargers. I did one before, but I didn’t like it. So now that I have more ALC 42s, it’ll be a more interesting video. I also like how the DC analog version can have a lit engine component that’s lit using an 11-211 or 11-212 interior lighting kit.
I honestly like the detail as well on the Kato Big Boy the most because there’s 1 flaw I saw on the Athearn and Broadway versions. They kept the ash pan. Big Boy 4014 doesn’t need an ash pan anymore because he’s an old burner now. I was kinda hoping UP would keep those visible bright red valves they used when 4014 was a coal burner. And those red valves were used to dump the ashes out of the giant ash pan. But was we all know 4014 is now an oil burner. And they got rid of the ash pan. So Kato’s model of the Big Boy is modeled post restoration. The Athearn and Broadway versions were kinda like prototypes on what we’d predict 4014 would look like after restoration. Also comparing the pulling power of all 3 Big Boys Kato is stronger because both sets of driving wheels have traction tires. So that’s 4 traction tires per wheel whereas the Athearn and Broadway versions have only 2 traction tires. So even though Athearn and Broadway perfected great N scale Big Boy 4014 models, there prototypes of what 4014 was predicted to look like after restoration. It’s also the reason why despite having the oil tender they kept the ash pan. I honestly also applaud Broadway for being the first manufacturer to make an N scale Big Boy, upcoming Challengers and the Reading T1 Northerns equipped with a smoking unit. I do have a T1 Northern in my possession now. No. 2102 as it’s the stable mate of RBMN 425. Soon I might get proper smoke fluid for T1 Northern 2102 to do a video of it running with smoke billowing out.
That is an interesting point about the ash pan. You are correct that it is obviously not needed now and I should have caught that and mentioned it. I do not know if it is just the extra traction tires or if it has something to do with the dual motor design (that I have heard was part of the problem getting the DCC/Sound version shipped), but what ever it was worked. My son posted a short video of the Kato pulling every Kato freight car we own (total of 59 cars) with no problems.
I am picking up one of the new Athearn Challengers when I get back from a business trip next week, and I have one of the BLI Challengers ordered too. And, by sheer chance, when I picked up the Big Boy, I also got in two of the BLI Reading T-1s. I had told the guys at Dibble's (my favorite hobby shop) that I could not decide between the 2102 RBMN version to match my 425 model, or the Chessie version 2101 (I have liked the Chessie livery since I was a little kid and saw them in the area). They ordered one of each, figuring that it would not be hard to sell the one I did not choose. Or maybe they just knew that once both were in the store, I would take them both, which I did. I should get a new video out with the two of them running around April 13th or so.
And I use the Marklin smoke fluid for my BLI N scale smoke units. Works very well for their Big Boy.
Yea. Broadway made 2 versions of Reading T1 Northern 2102. Either the regular Reading version or Blue Mountain and Reading. I know in reality since 2102 has recently been restored it now has “Reading and Northern” written on the tender. But I’m ok with just the word “Reading” on mine. I also have a feeling Broadway might re release the N scale T1s and might have a 2102 with Reading and Northern on the tender (Post Restoration). I recently did a great review of mine. And did a doubleheader with my 425 model. Wile both cooperated well I noticed 2 weird things. 1 425 was much louder. 2 425 looked a little faster than 2102. I think the reason why 425 was louder is because it has a plastic shell. 2102 and the other N scale T1s are a diecast metal. I honestly like diecast metal better because it’s more sturdy and durable. So when double heading 2102 and 425 you might need to program speed steps. And get a microphone to hear the bells and whistles from 2102 better. Or maybe it might have CV changes where you can make the bells and whistles louder. However I control all my DCC and Sound equipped locomotives with the Bachmann EZ Command Control Center. It may not include CV changes, but it’s my most comfortable and easy to use transformer. I also came across another CZcams user who posted a video about the N scale T1s. He said it can use either Marklin or JT Megasteam smoke fluids. I might use the JT Megasteam. It ships faster.
Hi Steve. Today is Sunday, April 7th. At the end of your video when you said, "wait until you see the HO Big Boy", I literally laughed out loud because I can just imagine that you might need a yard stick instead of a ruler to measure its length from front to back.
I'll be getting on the Amtrak Southwest Chief this Wednesday to head from Los Angeles to Chicago, then taking the Cardinal to Philly. With the issues Amtrak sometimes has with their locomotives, they could use a Big Boy to pull us up the Raton Pass. Could you imagine a Big Boy pulling Amtrak Superliner cars? Oh, wait, you could put that consist together on your system and make it happen! Unrealistic in real life, but it could be cool to see.
Anyway, 98% of the reunion work is done and 2 weeks from today it will be in the history books. Sorry you won't be able to make it. -- Ed
Hi, Ed. Sorry to not answer right away, but this hello is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Flew in yesterday for the conference and I am catching up on emails and things now.
Yeah, the HO big boy is a humongous model. Not quite yardstick long (that is the O scale version), but pretty big. And if you think Amtrak needs Big Boy's help, let the UP know. Here is an article about the Big Boy excursion train pushing a manifest freight train that had gotten stalled on a hill: cowboystatedaily.com/2023/07/10/wyomings-big-boy-4014-locomotive-rescues-freight-train-stuck-in-nebraska/. Never even disconnected from the excursion cars, so it was pulling its assigned weight as well as giving enough force to push a heavily loaded freight over the top of the hill. It would make short work of assisting or pulling any modern Amtrak train.
Have fun at the reunion. I really had wished I could be there, but oh well. Maybe next year for a mini reunion as close to June 17 as we can make it.
@@Rothstein_Model_Trains I still have you on the list to receive a Zoom invitation so maybe you can see our streaming feed from afar. Don't worry, though, we should have plenty of photos and video for your perusal following the reunion!