I just watched a documentry (It was unbiased, really. It was made by UP), called, “The Last of the Giants.” It was about the Big Boy.
Okay, I can see what some of you see in the Big Boy.
I’m not going to give up my love of the old time 2-6-0. It’s still the best looking little engine made. But I can see what you testosterone lovers see in the 4-8-8-4.
I also watched a Northfolk and Western video and the Mallet looks okay too.
Watching N&W big steam on video almost made me switch prototypes! I’ve got three or four DVDs of late 1950s N&W steam action, and I can see the attraction. Of course, I prefer eastern scenery over western, which is one reason I’ve never really been a fan of Big Boys (but I do chase 3985 every time she comes to Illinois!)
The N&W has got to be the easiest steam road to model in HO. With the exception of the 4-8-0s, there’s basically everything you need to accurately model that road in it’s prime, including at least two classes of cabooses. Even the Pennsy has more gaps in what’s available (but they come in a close second).
Chip,
I believe that’s one of the ones that is part of that “America’s Railroad” series that I saw recently . Is that the one where they show the BB and the Challenger sde-by-side? There’s also a cartoon showing how the idea for the articulated BB actually came from the old Mallet? You’re right, Chip. Definitely a heavy UP bias, but…still lotsa a great watching! [:)] I love the footage of the coal being “sprayed” around the firebox.
Mayhbe when I can get 30-36" curves on my layout, then I’ll start thinking about getting a Big Boy. In the mean time, a 2-8-2 is about as long as I’m going to run on 22" curves.
Tom
Based on your recommendation, I bought the DVD.
Cool! Are you enjoying it so far? The one that I think I’ve enjoyed the most was the very last one I saw, “This Is My Railroad”, about the SP. It’s amazing how much maintenance actually went into just maintaining a railroad. I think I’ve at least learned something new on each one of the videos I’ve seen. Someone really needs to invent a time machine though for the “ultimate learning experience”. [^]
Tom
I’ve enjoyed the three I’ve seen. I have learned from each, but not yet what I was hoping for. It is worth it never-the-less.
Can you believe it? With all my interest in big steam, I have never seen any of the Big Boy videos? I’ve downloaded a gazillion photos from the internet and have a couple books on steam… Guess I better put them on the list for Xmas!
Chip,
What specifically are you looking for from the videos? Maybe someone can chime in with some other resources that would be more helpful…
Tom
I’m a loyal diesel fan but i’d have to say my favorite steamers are the Big Boy, the challenger, and i sorta like the allyganey (sp) also…the feedwater pumps at the front of the boiler are pretty neat…chuck
It’s amazing the horse power that loco put out for it’s day. I think it took untill the 80’s for a deisel to come close.
Loathar,
Acutally, that fact came up just a week or two ago. Turns out that it wasn’t until 1969 before a diesel was rated @ 6000 HP.
Tom
P.S. Hey, I saw by your bio that you were born in Cleveland. Where abouts? I live on the east side, in South Euclid. And, where is Lawrenceburg located in reference to Knoxville?
Although a direct comparison of peak horsepower between a steamer and a diesel isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison.
–Randy
Pentrex Videos, If you seek Big Boy footage. They have a fantastic DVD titled “The Union
Pacific Big Boy Collection”. All 25 examples are covered in extensive detail. If that doesn’t do the trick, they have additional UP volumes available, covering a wide range of UP Steam and operations. These are not the typical amature films of that era. UP filmed and directed every episode…Enjoy.
Last of the Giants was produced by UP in 1960 as tribute to the Big Boy.
Dave
Would that DVD be avaliable over here? Whats it called please.
I’ve got N&W everything on my layout, it would be nice to know what area to model on my hopefully new layout.
Ken.
I was hoping to see some older steam go through the service proceedure. I have Service Facilities but they only give half a page to oil burners and my whole layout is oil burners.
tstage-Brooklyn, just outside of Cleve.My old backyard is now I-480. Lawrenceburg is in middle southern Tenn. about 20 miles north of Huntsville.(about 3 hours from Knox)
Chip,
Yea, you’ll get more of the bigger “modern” steamers - i.e. late 30’s, 40’s & 50’s - with this series. I don’t think you’re going to find too much in the smaller and older locomotives. The RRs wanted you to know that they were “keepin’ up with the times”, touting their new line of the latest and greatest streamliners that had all the comforts of home and then some. They also tended to focus on coal, rather than oil.
Tom