Kato Big Boy

[jonklein611]

Got an email from a retailer, apparently Kato is announcing a Big Boy. Nothing yet on Kato's website. I'll update as more information becomes available.

[migalyto]

Per-orders are up already on everybody's favorite vendor.


hogtrainz.com/NKATOBIGBOY.htmv

[jonklein611]

I wonder if they jumped the gun. Kato still hasn't released any information.

[bnsf971]

I just received an email from Factory Direct Trains about them.

[Deleted]

In case anyone is trying to find it, it seems like all of the retailers who had a Kato pre-order page up have pulled them, and at the same time BLI had announced this: www.broadway-limited.com/paragon4upbigboyn.aspx

[jonklein611]

From Hog:

We posted the Kato link for their UP Big Boys - and after massive reservations already in - Kato asked us to stop till they make their "official" announcement. All reservations that are in are GOOD and we will re-activate link when kato give us the go ahead!

[jonklein611]

[jonklein611]

More info:

www.katomodels.com/product/n/bigboy

Translated via google:

Main features

-Union Pacific Railway Big Boy #4014
-Commercialized Union Pacific Railway's "Big Boy" No. 4014, which was revived after 60 years
- Reproduce the beautiful appearance unique to the revival steam machine with a glossy finish.

Features
Reproduces the typical 4-8-8-4 axis arrangement (articulated) and heavy suspension
・Equipped with two coreless motors. Realizes smooth and powerful driving
・Achieves running with a minimum passing curve radius of R282mm (*Please be careful not to contact the opposing vehicle when driving in a double track section or yard.)
・FEF- just like the actual vehicle It is possible to reproduce the heavy train formation with 3 (FEF-3 / GS-3 heavy train coupler included), headlight lighting, knuckle coupler standard equipment. Coupler trip pin, heavy coupler for FEF-3 / GS-4 included

UP Water Tender
・After the abolition of steam locomotives, water tenders (water tank cars) added to support long-distance operation under limited water supply points ) is realistically reproduced
.・A 2-car set of #809, which has a large star-spangled flag plate attached to the side with UP yellow paint, and #814, which is a normal specification.
・Various combinations that are ideal for Big Boy and FEF steam locomotives can be developed.

-EMD SD70M Flat Radiator UP #4015
An auxiliary locomotive that is indispensable for organizing the Excursion Big Boy. You can enjoy the event train of Big Boy revival driving.
-Commercialized Union Pacific Railway's SD70M #4015 as it is towed by an event train
・Anti-reflection green paint on the nose, silver bogies, black brake wheels, etc. to reproduce a different appearance from that of general cargo aircraft
. No traction tire
, headlight, number board lighting
, knuckle coupler standard equipment. Coupler trip pin included
・DCC decoder can be installed
・Accessories: Coupler trip pin

UP Excursion Train

Excursion Train is a power car (power supply car) and a passenger sleeper car that supports the operation of a "moving museum" and a cafeteria with a dome. A 7-car set consisting of a passenger car, a passenger car with a dome, a passenger car with seats, and a business car (observation car)

・UP mobile museum #5779 beautifully reproduces the Stars and Stripes drawn on the side of the car body
・Tail lights lit
・Two UP water tenders can be stored in the cosmetic box
・Knuckle coupler standard equipment

[jonklein611]

Kato posted photos:

[riogrande]

How many clams are they asking for that little bad boy?

[crblue]

$399 DC, $499 DCC, $599 w/ Soundtraxx sound. Kato generally makes their locos DC in Japan, and then Kato USA contracts out to someone to manually install the decoder. As such, the light package is usually a headlight and rear light, and it's not at all worth the extra $100 or $200 if you're remotely capable.

I have no need for one, but at $279 from Train World - so maybe even less, elsewhere, it'll be hard to pass up.

[riogrande]

Indeed.

[Baikal]

Apr 18, 2023 5:44:04 GMT -8 jonklein611 said:

Kato posted photos:

Nice handrails for N scale.

[bnsf971]

This from Kato's official pre-order page:


Taking Pre-Orders through

1/28/2023

May 2023 Delivery

[jonklein611]

KatoUSA posted a testing video on their YouTube. It shows this model pulling 15 pounds placed on some HO cars.

[bnsf971]

That should stringline some cars…

[jonklein611]

[NCC42768]

I first watched this "raw" but now they've added subtitles! A great video showing the whole process at Kato's factory, of molding, painting, machining, testing, etc.

[bnsf971]

Early reviews are in. The engine is supposed to look and operate terrific, which it should.
It is also widely reported to be absolutely DCC hostile.

[jonklein611]

Jun 12, 2023 14:51:35 GMT -8 bnsf971 said:

Early reviews are in. The engine is supposed to look and operate terrific, which it should.
It is also widely reported to be absolutely DCC hostile.

Most of the Kato stuff in N (steam and non dcc friendly Japanese stuff), if you want it DCC, it's best to get it from the factory. The Big Boy has two of the coreless motors in it (the same ones in the HO P42) so it should have plenty of pulling power but annoying to DCC.

[wmcbride]

I have one and I am waiting for those more adept than I am to forge ahead and install sound and post a "how-to" for idiots like me...

Bill McBride