Wow my jaw is still on the floor. The sounds are epically fantastic. Not to mention the multiple features are that are new to the industry. I am definitely getting this in n scale.
I got the Rivet Counter version. It is a really awesome locomotive. The detail is excellent. The turbine will blow you away. As the first locomotive available from a start up company, the GTEL Big Blow knocks it out of the park. James's review of the Museum version is really well done. I enjoyed watching it twice.
Thank you for posting. I used to liv in Morgan, UT on the UP main. I saw Challengers, 4-12-2's Big Boys, Alco 855's, Turbines. U-50's and numerous diesel "B' units. Th turbines were truly impressive.
I realize it's long overdue but thank you for taking time to do this review! I bought one of the first run Rivet Counter versions, the units with the unique air filter sold out quick and I can understand that. Maybe Scaletrains will make a conversion kit or complete she'll available to give us an option. A couple of our club members (SAMRA) bought a couple of these and the first run units have a tendency to pick through high degree switches found in yards. Scaletrains fixed the issue though and now there's no issues whatsoever! I keep mine well stored and carry it as if it were nitroglycerin! Lol. You lucky dog! You got a Museum Version model! Hope your career in the Air Force is going well, I retired from the Army 12 years ago.
Another GREAT review Brother .. that thing is Awesome and I agree BIGTIME that horn w/ echo is really something to enjoy on any layout .. all around great .. Thanks for your time again James
A great review. I'm strictly a traction guy and seeing this review has got me wanting a UP GTEL. I am seriously considering buying a set just to have it. This is a great looking train set. I enjoyed every minute of this review.
UP and its glory days, I impatiently await 4014 under steam. I saw the Challenger in St. Louis years ago and it was huge I drove over top of it on a overpass in my tractor trailer delivering milk and it made my truck look small. And then there is the Big Boy, I climbed up on 4014 in California in 1971 when they had a cab viewing platform. I did that when I was 13 I will be 60 next month and I want to see the big boy hauling the full UP passenger consist.
This is an awesome model , the horn is out of this wold . The best horn yet and with that reverb, if you close your eyes , the B unit reminds of the old Bat mobile . Nice review James (:
Man, I wish I could have a train layout like that. I'm only 10 and I'm trying to get a Walthers mainline sd70ace and you are just my role model. You have so many trains that I love.
Watched your presentation again. Albeit I obtained my Museum Quality 18B, in September, 2016, it was only this evening, that I ran the set for the first time. The loco is awsome and Shane and his crew, must be well pleased with their efforts. I was very heavily into American N scale, still have the layout and over 1000 pieces of stock, nearly 200 locos. However, I collect seriosly, HO and OO for my display collection. Nearly have as many HO/OO as N scale. Love to watch your reviews, some strange ones at times.
great great review James, so why did you pick number 26, I have ordered number 30, ( and for people that need to know I payed for it over eight months ago ) I can't wait to get mine, shipped out Tuesday so should have it Monday, will be nice to see the differences,
Very nice review James , can't wait to get mine, Should be here by Thursday, too bad that it didn't show up last week, I could have run it on the club layout during Railfest in North Platte
What a beautiful, feature filled engine and tender. The detailing plus the sounds are too good. Great video - the model requires a detailed video. Enjoy running it at full sound. We didn't see the back- up light on the tender- is it bright also? I am an O scaler but am very jealous of this model.
The Chinese are the worlds master model manufactures and this to date has got to be there best creation yet in the medium of plastic , absolutely superb .
Am I missing something here Mr. Mason . Whether they "seized" or "unseized" Atlas I dont know but they are still shipping to the U.S.A. so no embargo by the capitalists there !!
Atlas are still importing models to the U.S.A. FROM CHINA albeit from another factory hook-up. So it still must be highly profitable for them to use Chinese skills and labor rather than produce models in the states which would cost much more.
Can't afford this on a State Park Ranger's salary but it sure is nice. I'll just have to replay the vid of yours from time to time. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Dan
Dang it James I as actually going to try and beat you to a review of this one! Ah alright I'll settle for 2nd place lol can't wait to watch this I have to go mow a lawn first but I gotta see the review on this baby
Unfortunately I have no place for this hobby, always wanted to get into it. Spent a lot of time and money on a friend's layout when I was growing up in the 80s. Miss it big time.
This is probably what Jeremy Clarkson calls the Concorde moment for model trains it’s a master piece of detail and accuracy on an extensive scale. I do wonder how many they have to sell to recover the non-recurring costs of putting it into production. the longer your reviews the more for me to enjoy. thanks
So I converted several DC locomotives to DCC/Sound and sold them on E Bay so I can use Pay Pal to purchase one of these with no visible proof for my Conductor of 55 years to have cause to question my spending habits! Ha!Just to awesome to pass up. Thanks for the evaluation and video.
All those cables on the back of the A-Unit, are somewhat reminiscent of the dreadlocks on the 'Predator'! LOL!!! Love the opening side door on the cab to boot! The detail on this set is "off the hook" ... to quote someone else! ;) Not a bad price for all you get ... A-Unit, B-unit, and Fuel Tender ... and definitely "Museum Quality"! Question ... is there a way to install crew figures? With all that detail, it should never run with only a 'Ghost Crew' ... By the way ... great review, James!
John, that predator comment is hillarious. To get to the cab, you just remove four screws and bam, you're into the shell and cab area is accessible from there.
Hi James, Thanks for the Vid review. Do both the A-Unit and B-Unit have the same decoder address or is it necessary to use distinct addresses so that the A & B can be speed matched?
Imagine: Scale Trains decides to sell the GTELS in liveries other then the Union Pacific livery. Like, for example, an all Black livery (I would like an all black livery).
Im waiting see if any bugs pop up not being negative but its new nothing is perfect. Holding off before i purchase this beautiful locomotive. Great review!
This thing looks awesome and sounds great too. I sure hope my N Scale version sounds similar, maybe with less volume. It could be a little hard to hear the TV in the bedroom when this comes through on the MAN RR.
Check out the MTH O scale turbine. Check out esiegel76 he did a review on it. And in the video he is almost yelling over the turbine audio. MTH modeled it well, but I feel like I could get annoyed by that pretty quick.
cant wait to see them make a steam loco in museum quality, I'm very impressed so far by this newcomer😃
Wow my jaw is still on the floor. The sounds are epically fantastic. Not to mention the multiple features are that are new to the industry. I am definitely getting this in n scale.
This is what happens when guys with a heart for the hobby take control of the manufacturer process. Complete AWESOMENESS
This has to be the coolest engine model I've ever seen
I got the Rivet Counter version. It is a really awesome locomotive. The detail is excellent. The turbine will blow you away. As the first locomotive available from a start up company, the GTEL Big Blow knocks it out of the park. James's review of the Museum version is really well done. I enjoyed watching it twice.
great review, I think this model is the best on the market
Truly the most impressive HO scale plastic model ever. Well done, Scale Trains!! Awesome review, too.
What a cool model. Love the detail especially the opening compartment doors on the B unit.
Thank you for posting. I used to liv in Morgan, UT on the UP main. I saw Challengers, 4-12-2's Big Boys, Alco 855's, Turbines. U-50's and numerous diesel "B' units. Th turbines were truly impressive.
I realize it's long overdue but thank you for taking time to do this review! I bought one of the first run Rivet Counter versions, the units with the unique air filter sold out quick and I can understand that. Maybe Scaletrains will make a conversion kit or complete she'll available to give us an option. A couple of our club members (SAMRA) bought a couple of these and the first run units have a tendency to pick through high degree switches found in yards. Scaletrains fixed the issue though and now there's no issues whatsoever! I keep mine well stored and carry it as if it were nitroglycerin! Lol.
You lucky dog! You got a Museum Version model!
Hope your career in the Air Force is going well, I retired from the Army 12 years ago.
Another GREAT review Brother .. that thing is Awesome and I agree BIGTIME that horn w/ echo is really something to enjoy on any layout .. all around great .. Thanks for your time again James
WOW! Love the rotating roller bearings!
A great review. I'm strictly a traction guy and seeing this review has got me wanting a UP GTEL. I am seriously considering buying a set just to have it. This is a great looking train set. I enjoyed every minute of this review.
That thing is gaining weight faster than I do at thanksgiving and Christmas. Lol.
UP and its glory days, I impatiently await 4014 under steam. I saw the Challenger in St. Louis years ago and it was huge I drove over top of it on a overpass in my tractor trailer delivering milk and it made my truck look small. And then there is the Big Boy, I climbed up on 4014 in California in 1971 when they had a cab viewing platform. I did that when I was 13 I will be 60 next month and I want to see the big boy hauling the full UP passenger consist.
This is an awesome model , the horn is out of this wold . The best horn yet and with that reverb, if you close your eyes , the B unit reminds of the old Bat mobile . Nice review James (:
A great review. You encouraged me to purchase one of my most favourite locomotives. My long awaited present to me and I thank you!
I had the privilege of getting to see one in operation in the late 1960s in Wyoming. I have always wanted to get one.
That nighttime mode lighting is awesome. its just completely awesome. Might have to order one of these just to have it.
Great review James! Best video you have done yet, in my opinion...The turbine sounds awesome! Keep up the good work!
An absolutely wonderful model and a great job on the review.
can't believe I'getting one on Monday. It's wonderfull. I just hope It arrives in one piece.... well, three pieces... but not one more than that!!
Great presentation. Anticipate delivery of #18 this coming week, to my Long Island City base, live in Scotland
Outstanding review James! Beautiful model of a very unique locomotive. Always enjoy watching your videos. Hope to see you at TrainFest 2016...Fred
Early Life Like Proto 2000 engines where the first to have opening cab doors,James
This is top of my list for Christmas!
These trains are so beautiful I love them.
Thanx for the review James. My Museum Quality is suppose to arrive Thursday. Man I can't wait.
Man, I wish I could have a train layout like that. I'm only 10 and I'm trying to get a Walthers mainline sd70ace and you are just my role model. You have so many trains that I love.
Watched your presentation again. Albeit I obtained my Museum Quality 18B, in September, 2016, it was only this evening, that I ran the set for the first time. The loco is awsome and Shane and his crew, must be well pleased with their efforts. I was very heavily into American N scale, still have the layout and over 1000 pieces of stock, nearly 200 locos. However, I collect seriosly, HO and OO for my display collection. Nearly have as many HO/OO as N scale. Love to watch your reviews, some strange ones at times.
That is one hellva model. The size and detail are outstanding
I really want to get one someday! Thanks for doing this video! :D
Great job on the video Willie. I kind of makes me wonder what the next big thing Scale Trains is going to pull off.
one heck of a locomotive... awesome review.. a bit out of my price range.. thanks for sharing.. vinny
Thanks for sharing 👍🏻🇨🇦🚂TSM
Cool! I have met the people who made it and seen the real thing. Nice video!
That
scenery looks really good .
Awesome Model I have put an order in for the CN Tier 4 GEVO from Scale trains .Lots of details it is huge with the three units to couple together .
Very nice video. I'm building this in Minecraft and its a good reference
great great review James, so why did you pick number 26, I have ordered number 30, ( and for people that need to know I payed for it over eight months ago ) I can't wait to get mine, shipped out Tuesday so should have it Monday, will be nice to see the differences,
Like your review on the turbine train very detailed I'm ordering one today #18 will look great with mu centenial and big boy
Very nice review James , can't wait to get mine, Should be here by Thursday, too bad that it didn't show up last week, I could have run it on the club layout during Railfest in North Platte
Simply AWESOME !
This video makes me want to get one. This engine is awesome
What an amazing model.
Great job. As always.
Sweet, I like long reviews.
My favorite locos of all time.
Wow awesome sounds
I want this so bad now. Great review btw!
It looks so nice I would be afraid to weather it!
What a beautiful, feature filled engine and tender. The detailing plus the sounds are too good. Great video - the model requires a detailed video. Enjoy running it at full sound. We didn't see the back- up light on the tender- is it bright also? I am an O scaler but am very jealous of this model.
That is really awesome!
The Chinese are the worlds master model manufactures and this to date has got to be there best creation yet in the medium of plastic , absolutely superb .
Am I missing something here Mr. Mason . Whether they "seized" or "unseized" Atlas I dont know but they are still shipping to the U.S.A. so no embargo by the capitalists there !!
Atlas are still importing models to the U.S.A. FROM CHINA albeit from another factory hook-up. So it still must be highly profitable for them to use Chinese skills and labor rather than produce models in the states which would cost much more.
Grate Product and a Excellent Reveiw .......
Can't afford this on a State Park Ranger's salary but it sure is nice. I'll just have to replay the vid of yours from time to time. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Dan
I wish UP would bring back that body design... beautiful.
What a BEAST! Do you prefer the configuration of the early units or the "veranda" styling of the later units?
Dang it James I as actually going to try and beat you to a review of this one! Ah alright I'll settle for 2nd place lol can't wait to watch this I have to go mow a lawn first but I gotta see the review on this baby
This is one of those models that just make you but even though you don't model it. I'm thinking of getting one.
Nice product look good quality
great review.
Did I see rotating bearing caps on one of the trucks of the engine? BTW that is totally awesome! Great review!
that turbine is amazing for that scale.
The wind shield wipers look particularly good.
nice video again!
Unfortunately I have no place for this hobby, always wanted to get into it.
Spent a lot of time and money on a friend's layout when I was growing up in the 80s.
Miss it big time.
This is probably what Jeremy Clarkson calls the Concorde moment for model trains it’s a master piece of detail and accuracy on an extensive scale. I do wonder how many they have to sell to recover the non-recurring costs of putting it into production. the longer your reviews the more for me to enjoy. thanks
I watched this thing be built!!! There are a lot that goes into making one of those lol
So I converted several DC locomotives to DCC/Sound and sold them on E Bay so I can use Pay Pal to purchase one of these with no visible proof for my Conductor of 55 years to have cause to question my spending habits! Ha!Just to awesome to pass up. Thanks for the evaluation and video.
WOW!
glad u got yours
Thanks TJ for your hard work!
10:29 Okay quick question, I don't see the drive shafts to the rear truck on the A-unit through the vents, is the motor just powering the front truck?
It would be nice to have the money to afford this. Thanks for your video
I love the union pacific locos! And revews
All those cables on the back of the A-Unit, are somewhat reminiscent of the dreadlocks on the 'Predator'! LOL!!! Love the opening side door on the cab to boot! The detail on this set is "off the hook" ... to quote someone else! ;) Not a bad price for all you get ... A-Unit, B-unit, and Fuel Tender ... and definitely "Museum Quality"! Question ... is there a way to install crew figures? With all that detail, it should never run with only a 'Ghost Crew' ... By the way ... great review, James!
John, that predator comment is hillarious. To get to the cab, you just remove four screws and bam, you're into the shell and cab area is accessible from there.
Are you going to be at Milwaukee trainfest 2016?
James, did you see that the River Counter model has a GE logo in me middle unit, but not in the Museum Quality? Thanks
The magnifying glass is for the rivet counters.
Amazing product, the n scale version will definitely be on my need to have list
Hello. A questions. What is the value of the CV of the master volume of your Unit A and Unit B?
Great ESU Loksound
Hey J, what train have you seen that has the stongest pull numbers? thanks
I can't find it in the description but is the body of these locomotives and tender made of Die Cast metal
Super Cool , Its Sold Out !!!!
Hi James, Thanks for the Vid review. Do both the A-Unit and B-Unit have the same decoder address or is it necessary to use distinct addresses so that the A & B can be speed matched?
+andyroseson The A & B unit utilize the same address. Shane
Awsome Review!I assume the B unit has power like the A unit?
Hey I'm with a train community and I was wondering if you could tell me what the Real size of the individual parts to the train would be.
Ok, this is going to be my next purchase, for sure. Lol.
Imagine: Scale Trains decides to sell the GTELS in liveries other then the Union Pacific livery. Like, for example, an all Black livery (I would like an all black livery).
Could you please review the Kato n scale Union Pacific FEF-3 #838 Matt Black freight version please? Thanks!!
beautiful train thanks for the video too high for my budget for beautiful
Did you have to purchase this one it is a work of art.
Hi, I enjoyed your review, but I think the running gear was used on the U50Cs, not the U50's as stated.
That bad boy is here in ogden
Im waiting see if any bugs pop up not being negative but its new nothing is perfect. Holding off before i purchase this beautiful locomotive. Great review!
Don't wait too long +Robert Chapman. We're almost sold-out of the first production run. Shane
Shane Wilson
President
ScaleTrains.com, Inc.
Nice box .. .. ..
SWEET
This thing looks awesome and sounds great too. I sure hope my N Scale version sounds similar, maybe with less volume. It could be a little hard to hear the TV in the bedroom when this comes through on the MAN RR.
I agree
Check out the MTH O scale turbine. Check out esiegel76 he did a review on it. And in the video he is almost yelling over the turbine audio. MTH modeled it well, but I feel like I could get annoyed by that pretty quick.
This should be the next locomotive up restores to operating condition
"But Turbine startups dont always go smoothly.."