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MTH RailKing Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy
I just purchased one and am quite pleased with it. It runs well on 054 radius, but even on these curves there is significant overhang of the rear cab. The whistle is great, but not very loud, even with the volume set all the way up. Smoke output is impressive, I ran it last night for a few hours and my train room still smells like smoke this evening. Low speed running is a little twitchy (even in DCS), but I expect the running gear to loosen up as it breaks in. Some of the PFA voices are the same as other MTH Santa Fe and UP models, but the dialog is interesting and certainly easy to understand. I wanted to double head the train with an MTH UP 0-6-0 switcher, but there is no front coupler. Overall, the model is a winner and is definately impressive rolling down the track. I would have preferred a Lionel model with TMCC Legacy, RS 5.0 and Fatboy speakers, but I’ll have to wait at least a year for something similar in the Lionmaster line. However, this fills the bill for a mid priced but impressively large steamer to run on my 054/042 layout.
I am building a basement layout, and would like to get the full scale for 072" radius, I am trying to model modern day, where a Dash 9 with a mile of coal cars sets outback on the siding of the plant where I work for up to a day, while the container trains come by, so I would like to get the most realistic 4-8-8-4 going, I am laying out my main line to accommodate that engine, I have got a bunch of hoppers from the 40’s, so this would make the new guys set on the sidings. Thanks Guys Neat !!
What can I say, its a Big Boy! I just got the frieght set and would sleep with this engine if I could. It runs my 54 inch curves right into my 36 inch curves without so much as a hickup. Very impressive. Very pretty in appearence also and has became my favorite steam giant. Im going to the hobby store and order the MTH J-class.
Excellent workmanship and the detail. I have enjoyed operating this engine. It works great around my 054 switches and 045 curves. Great product