i loved this video ive been watching and checking each day sence u put that short teaser buy could u make the videos a little bit longer next time u should do a lot more locomotive rewiws good job loved it
I don't model steam either, but I've always been fascinated with steam locomotives. This one would be more of a collecting/gotta-have-one purchase for me, although I think I'd probably go with a Kato GS-4 first because while I don't model steam I do model the Southern Pacific (sorta).
It looks like a great loco. I pre-ordered the DCC+sound model, I'm also not running the right era for it but it'll still see some time on the layout anyway!
I was like you and couldn't resist picking up 4014 plus the water tenders and the excursion cars. My hometown of Marshalltown, IA has the UP mainline running through it and although I missed it, the Big Boy made a stop there. I can't wait to see your DCC install!!
It’s my first steam engine. I had to do my own DCC install and some track modifications to allow to do a full loop on my main but I love it. It’s about to get a lot of running time after all that initial work I did lol. I don’t think I have traction tires I need to check.
I would buy the n model as it does have its incredible details although my only worry is the size for the price, are there any websites out there that sell for lower than retail price?
I'm not a fan of steamers but being a modern UP modeler, this is a must have! Just disappointed that it's not DCC ready in the slightest bit. It's next to impossible to install ESU sound easily.
My Kato FEF-3 had that same issue with the side rods, granted I bought mine second hand but still. Not a huge deal breaker either, Kato stuff runs like a Swiss watch, definitely picking one up, I just gotta paint the grab iron on the smoke box door it’s throwing me off
Nice review, but to clarify about the "double articulation" - it's the second set of drive wheels that are rigidly mounted to the frame (not entirely, they do allow some lateral motion, but they don't pivot as a group like on the model), not the trailing truck under the cab. This "double articulation" is pretty standard in models of large articulated locomotives to deal with tight model curves and I haven't heard of any complaints about Kato doing that with the Big Boy, but I wonder if the complaints he's talking about actually have to do with the tender trucks. Kato "articulated" the rear 5 axles on the Centipede tender by using a 3-axle and a 2-axle truck where on the prototype the last five axles are rigid.
As much as I love steam, I need them at O gauge and up. I can't handle the pain in N when it comes to steam if something gets knocked loose or a part needs replaced. I gotta give it to you for tolerating that headache. If I did N it would be diesels only.
Howdy Ron what a Review I'm glad you done it sorry you had boo boo outta the box but it's probably better happening at that point as to popping loose as the engine was running down the Track.. Kind of wondering if that Rod bearing is a friction type we're the thickness is what keeps it tight to the Wheel it looked like it set back in place fairly easy but in that could it work it's self back out as the Engine is Moving especially under a heavy load & as the Engine rolls through curves, But I'm sure if it became a problem replacement parts would fix it, I think a slightly longer friction Rod on the rotating bearing or one that is lightly knurled would help to hold in place but Anyhoo hope that's all we see is just vary minor issues.. But she looked good Rolling I'd like to get a sound Version but I'm probably outta of the loop this go Around I hope Kato see's how fast there moving & Ramps up production for a Second Run especially before Christmas I know they probably won't have a problem selling them 1 or 2 more times & it would be neat if they'd offer like Athearn did the other Big Boys with the Coal tenders or even some weathered versions like did with 844 Kobo shop Engine.. I though Athearn would've Ran a Second Run & they might Now as they're probably seeing how the sales are going on the Kato's but that's Down the Road to see.. Just hoping & passing on some good thoughts thanks again for sharing the Video Ron hope to see ya up at Desheler for the Spring Creek show.. Take Care Allen 🚂🚂🚂🚂
Can you name a dealer that is upgrading the engine to DCC + Sound for resale? Very interested in purchasing with those upgrades already in place. Also, did you attempt to see how many cars you could pull with a grade on the layout without slipping? I heard you mention 25, but did you attempt more? Thanks for the review.
I am extremely disappointed with the pulling power of my Kato Big Boy. On our flat and level N-Trak layout the wheels began slipping with just 30 fourty foot micro train truck/coupler equipped box cars. The engine just doesn’t weigh enough! This was at the N-Scale Enthusiast convention. Kato said that maybe the next run would be better..
Point to 2:25, there the video starts. Prior to that Ron speaks that he will speak about the 'big boy', in the fatal bad tradition of "talking about intention to talk."
Pulling power?.. can't believe that pulled 14 pounds weight.....why?...I'd weigh all three big boys ..kato bli and athearn.....bli 8.5 oz.... athearn 7.7 oz and kato 5.4 oz ...very light in my opinion for pulling...more heavier more traction it would have for pulling ......lack of detail compared to bli and athearn....no builders plate and steam pipe decals like athearn has.....pro...kato runs really smooth chrome nickel side rods and duel Dynamos....my front grey tube was undone on the side your working on....used a rubberized glue to put it back in place ....I'll add more detail to my kato like I did to my bli and athearn.....
See more reviews of N scale steam locomotives here: tinyurl.com/yc2t7bvp
i loved this video ive been watching and checking each day sence u put that short teaser buy could u make the videos a little bit longer next time u should do a lot more locomotive rewiws good job loved it
I love my new Big Boy. I just had to get the 2 car water tender set and the 7 car excursion train. It looks great running as a complete train.
I don't model steam either, but I've always been fascinated with steam locomotives. This one would be more of a collecting/gotta-have-one purchase for me, although I think I'd probably go with a Kato GS-4 first because while I don't model steam I do model the Southern Pacific (sorta).
It looks like a great loco. I pre-ordered the DCC+sound model, I'm also not running the right era for it but it'll still see some time on the layout anyway!
Did you notice "Big Boy" scribbled on the front of the boiler? Love how they included that little tidbit.
I will definitely be getting this to start my N scale layout! Along with the Kato M1 set, of course 😄
I was like you and couldn't resist picking up 4014 plus the water tenders and the excursion cars. My hometown of Marshalltown, IA has the UP mainline running through it and although I missed it, the Big Boy made a stop there. I can't wait to see your DCC install!!
It’s my first steam engine. I had to do my own DCC install and some track modifications to allow to do a full loop on my main but I love it. It’s about to get a lot of running time after all that initial work I did lol. I don’t think I have traction tires I need to check.
Saw it roll through in Wagoner, Oklahoma. It's whistle, as it was pulling up, just about blew my ears out.
I am glad that you changed your mind about the Big Boy I have the factory DCC sound on order
I would buy the n model as it does have its incredible details although my only worry is the size for the price, are there any websites out there that sell for lower than retail price?
I just bought a Kato N scale Big Boy and I am looking forward to our DCC decoder install video.
Thanks for this addition to my Christmas list lol. I guess I'll just have to build my lay out around it...
I cant believe the amount of detail they have in something that small! Amazing! What does an Engine cost?
I’m getting one in DC after watching this. Thank you!
I actually got it for my birthday, my first train ever.
Nicely done Ron. Gratz on the new addition to your layout.
I'm not a fan of steamers but being a modern UP modeler, this is a must have! Just disappointed that it's not DCC ready in the slightest bit. It's next to impossible to install ESU sound easily.
My Kato FEF-3 had that same issue with the side rods, granted I bought mine second hand but still. Not a huge deal breaker either, Kato stuff runs like a Swiss watch, definitely picking one up, I just gotta paint the grab iron on the smoke box door it’s throwing me off
Nice review, but to clarify about the "double articulation" - it's the second set of drive wheels that are rigidly mounted to the frame (not entirely, they do allow some lateral motion, but they don't pivot as a group like on the model), not the trailing truck under the cab. This "double articulation" is pretty standard in models of large articulated locomotives to deal with tight model curves and I haven't heard of any complaints about Kato doing that with the Big Boy, but I wonder if the complaints he's talking about actually have to do with the tender trucks. Kato "articulated" the rear 5 axles on the Centipede tender by using a 3-axle and a 2-axle truck where on the prototype the last five axles are rigid.
As much as I love steam, I need them at O gauge and up. I can't handle the pain in N when it comes to steam if something gets knocked loose or a part needs replaced. I gotta give it to you for tolerating that headache. If I did N it would be diesels only.
She is truly amazing
Super cool review really great locomotive 🚂
I was waiting for a great review. Found it.
Just curious if you ever converted this to DCC/Sound? Would love to see that video.
You’ll have to let us know if those traction tires ever become an issue with the NO OX ID on the rails.
I am watching that and will report.
hello ron it's is randy i like yours is cool thanks and kato n scale big boy is cool thanks ron friends randy
That thing really is a big boy even in N scale
Well that explains how the front engine goes in and out of sync with the rear engine. I definitely want one now to haul my UP 7-car set.
Very disappointed that the Kato big boy dc version does not come DCC ready!
What kind of dcc decoder would you recommend if someone were to covert this model to dcc with sound? Thanks for the review as always!
Howdy Ron what a Review I'm glad you done it sorry you had boo boo outta the box but it's probably better happening at that point as to popping loose as the engine was running down the Track.. Kind of wondering if that Rod bearing is a friction type we're the thickness is what keeps it tight to the Wheel it looked like it set back in place fairly easy but in that could it work it's self back out as the Engine is Moving especially under a heavy load & as the Engine rolls through curves, But I'm sure if it became a problem replacement parts would fix it, I think a slightly longer friction Rod on the rotating bearing or one that is lightly knurled would help to hold in place but Anyhoo hope that's all we see is just vary minor issues..
But she looked good Rolling I'd like to get a sound Version but I'm probably outta of the loop this go Around I hope Kato see's how fast there moving & Ramps up production for a Second Run especially before Christmas I know they probably won't have a problem selling them 1 or 2 more times & it would be neat if they'd offer like Athearn did the other Big Boys with the Coal tenders or even some weathered versions like did with 844 Kobo shop Engine..
I though Athearn would've Ran a Second Run & they might Now as they're probably seeing how the sales are going on the Kato's but that's Down the Road to see..
Just hoping & passing on some good thoughts thanks again for sharing the Video Ron hope to see ya up at Desheler for the Spring Creek show..
Take Care Allen 🚂🚂🚂🚂
Can you name a dealer that is upgrading the engine to DCC + Sound for resale? Very interested in purchasing with those upgrades already in place. Also, did you attempt to see how many cars you could pull with a grade on the layout without slipping? I heard you mention 25, but did you attempt more? Thanks for the review.
Nice Review, are you the new voice of Kato? If so I want one!
Lol not officially.
I am extremely disappointed with the pulling power of my Kato Big Boy. On our flat and level N-Trak layout the wheels began slipping with just 30 fourty foot micro train truck/coupler equipped box cars. The engine just doesn’t weigh enough! This was at the N-Scale Enthusiast convention. Kato said that maybe the next run would be better..
Can the riverossi big boy work on kato track or just this model??
As long as it is N scale it will run, yes.
Does it smoke?
No smoke unit on this model.
I personally favor the YELLOWSTONE locomotive over the Big Boy, but thats just me being a Minnesotan
Well, its a nice looking locomotive, but if they make a coal tender I'll buy that! 😊
Point to 2:25, there the video starts. Prior to that Ron speaks that he will speak about the 'big boy', in the fatal bad tradition of "talking about intention to talk."
Pulling power?.. can't believe that pulled 14 pounds weight.....why?...I'd weigh all three big boys ..kato bli and athearn.....bli 8.5 oz.... athearn 7.7 oz and kato 5.4 oz ...very light in my opinion for pulling...more heavier more traction it would have for pulling ......lack of detail compared to bli and athearn....no builders plate and steam pipe decals like athearn has.....pro...kato runs really smooth chrome nickel side rods and duel Dynamos....my front grey tube was undone on the side your working on....used a rubberized glue to put it back in place ....I'll add more detail to my kato like I did to my bli and athearn.....
The DCC version has smoke. Does the DC version have smoke??
Not Kato. Neither version has smoke.
@@KatoOnTheTrack1 got confused with the BLI😵💫
@@williammyers9773 nice feature, it personally wouldn’t work for me due to proximity.