Revell 1/87 Big Boy Locomotive

That's a good question,our current forum headings don't seem to cover that build.

I suppose I could put it on the Figures and Misc. forum.

Thanks.

Steve

Yes, I think the Figures and Misc is the appropriate place for any discussions or pictures of a model of any genre not covered by existing forums in that category.  We might think someday of adding a trains forum, as there are a surprising number of non-operating railroad models out there, even excluding the obvious military trains that generally fit in the armor category.  Minicraft still has some historic locomotive models.

well, I went  ahead and posted it on the Figures and Misc. forum. If interested please go take a look and tell me what you think. Steve

I don't know much about railroading, but it's often struck me that locomotives are a neglected kit subject - for reasons that go far beyond traditional model railroading.

The usual steam locomotive kit from the model railroad department puts a whole lot of emphasis on the motor and operating mechanism, usually leading to compromises in scale detail. From what I can tell, the most detailed locomotives are ready-to-run - and cost a fortune. (In the model railroading world nowadays, a hundred bucks doesn't buy much.) Personally. I have neither the desire nor the space for a layout. But I'd love to build a highly detailed scale, static model of a steam engine. If it had the same level of detail as the typical 1/72aircraft (think of an Eduard-quality cab interior), it would be a fascinating, intricate project.

Unfortunately there aren't many static locomotive kits on the market. Revell makes a few (including some German ones) in HO. (I've got one in my stash; it's a nice kit, but not as detailed as many of the RTR models - or the best Revell aircraft.) MPC used to make a beautiful 1/32 (I think) model of the "General," from the Civil War, but it's been gone for decades.

Personally, I think a collection of, say, 1/48 American - or British, or German, or whatever - steam locomotives sitting motionless on a shelf would be a mighty fine thing.

Yes I agree.  I would love to have several static steam locomotives on the shelf, any nationality any era. It's really a forgotten genre.   This kit isn't as detailed as I would have liked. The steam lines for instance are solid and attached to the water tank. I almost took a dremmel to it and replaced them  with wire, but I was so excited to get to the weathering stage I couldn't wait.

Thank for the compliment.

Steve

and the hand rails along the boiler are solid which may be what you are referring to as steam lines. get a 1/35 BR-52. that will keep you amused for a bit.

Thanks for the correction.

There are both hand rails and steam lines molded into the boiler area.  I am saving the kit with the idea of stripping them off and putting brass rods and fittings there, but it is going to be a lot of work.

Union Pacific Big Boy Series

FYI:

Checkout my big boy Pinterest site:

www.pinterest.com/.../union-pacific-big-boy-series

I commiserated with whether to Dremel them off and replace them. I new it was going to be a tough row to hoe. But I was so excited to get on with the build and weathering (trying new techniques) that I reasoned that non modeling people, by whom it will be mostly seen, wouldn't know the difference anyway. Plus you have to know what to look for to notice.

gleson, those are stunning pics! I did quite a bit of research prior to beginning the build, but there are several photos I've never seen before. Thank for those.

Steve

gleason,

I just followed you Pintrest board.

This is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about earlier. The model railroad companies are perfectly capable of making locomotives without cast-on pipes and handrails. Why can't somebody make a steam engine kit that has that kind of detail - and doesn't have a motor in it?

LOL, I guess we'd have to talk to Revell Germany, since they are the only ones, I think, that are producing any locomotive replicas.

More Large Locomotives:

Union Pacific Challenger Series

www.pinterest.com/.../union-pacific-challenger-series

Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-6 "Allegheny" Type Locomotives

www.pinterest.com/.../chesapeake-ohio-2-6-6-6-allegheny-type-locomotives

Gleason

Seems to me that one of the good model railroad manufacturers (Rivarossi, Athearn, etc.) would have little trouble offering a steam locomotive in kit form - without the motor, gears, etc. I just find it hard to believe that the only people who want locomotive models are those who want to run them.

jtilley

Seems to me that one of the good model railroad manufacturers (Rivarossi, Athearn, etc.) would have little trouble offering a steam locomotive in kit form - without the motor, gears, etc. I just find it hard to believe that the only people who want locomotive models are those who want to run them.

I suppose that typically model builders feel that locomotives are "owned" by model railroaders. I myself have had N scale rolling stock for years which I have been dragging around with me from move to move and duty station to duty station. I have just never had the room (or time) to build a layout. One day I was curious if they made an N scale Big Boy, and up pops this Revell kit. Wow, imagine my surprise. I wanted it immediately.

I was thinking about why the big manufactures such as Atlas and Kato don't make kits. Why should they? If you want a super detailed loco for static display, just pay the $200 - $300 and put it on the shelf.

Steve

The Challenger and Allegheny are sweet as well. I wish Revell made those. I would TOTALLY build them.

Agreed..

Along with the UP 9000 series:

www.pinterest.com/.../union-pacific-9000-4-12-2

Holly cow!. A 4-12-2? I can't tell. Are the Drive wheels separated so it can negotiate corners?

Union Pacific 9000 on public display in Pomona, CA.

This giant is the last surviving example of a 4-12-2, 3 cylinder

non articulated steam engine.

Hope this helps...

I would like to build some models of the bigger Diesels of today too. I live right near the BNSF main line to the Dakotas and the Northwest and those bigger road diesels are so impressive!  I have been collecting drawings and photos to scratch one, but would sure pop for a good kit if someone offered it.

The company I work for is going to build some BNSF locos next year.  Right now we are starting a 200 unit CSX contract.

Don,

I'll post some pics of what we're working on tonight.  Maybe I can sneak some close ups for your scratch building efforts.  Pretty much we're working on GP40's and some new model MBTA'S  (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority) at the moment. Also some rebuilds.

UP

MBTA

MBTA with long hood removed

CSX

If you want some close ups of the trucks, cooling fans etc. for your scratch build, let me know. I'll see what I can get.

Steve