I asked for a Trix Big Boy for Christmas[:I]. I know I probably won’t get it, but just in case, I’d like to know what people who own one of these beasts think of them. Does it run smooth? How’s the sound system? I can sacrifice bad sound for superior running (I think the sound only works on DCC anyway, and I’ve yet to go DCC). I’ve been wantng this loco for a long time and now might be my one shot.
So what do you think of it?
Overpriced. But, I haven’t heard anything bad about it.
its a smooth runner, pulls like hell. pretty sure the sound works on straight DC. Terriffic engine, but yes, overpriced
The model is expensive, but the best running model on the market today. I have both the 4013 and th 4015 with sound. The sound in the 4015 is toy train like, since the whistle blows several sequences each time you pu***he function for the whistle. They use an electronics package that is single channel. If you have the bell on and blow the whistle, the bell has to stop first and then the whistle blows it preset sequence of who know what. The puffing is not an articulated sound, but is good for a two cylinder engine, but again the system is single channel operation and none of the sounds can be used at the same time.
The 4013 is the best of the two if you add Soundtraxx.
Both engines run like no other on the planet and for that Trix gets high marks. I believe they will operate at 1mph scale speed or maybe even slower.
Thanks bangert1! I knew the sound wasn’t that great. Tell me, would it be hard to install Sountraxx sound in 4015?
I heard the sound in person at a show. Very weak compared to QSI. I would get one, but…
I can’t pay $650 for one loco that isn’t a Missabe Yellowstone or any of the 4-8-8-2 wheeled Cab-forwards.(4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, or 12)
My curves are just under exceptable for an engine of that size.
I never have that much money at one time.
MR April 02 review by Andy Sperando.
Trix has a nice 15 colored page brochure which I can copy and make available to you.
Loco weight, 2lbs, 10 ozs. Track MUST BE well mounted for this high weight.
European version, # T22593 has four traction tires so check out the American version. I don’t
think it has them. According to Andy’s review, the test model didn’t have any. Without them,
up a grade, you WILL experience slippage depending on number of trailing cars. Don’t let the
loco weight over shadow this limitation.
Chuck,
Do you know if the pulling power increases in time as the wheels get worn in. I read that the Lionel Challengers had some sort of gloss on the wheels that at first caused the locomotives to slip until it was worn off. Could this be the same with the Trix 4-8-8-4?
Sorry Jonathon, can’t answer that question. Will look through prior Posts and see if I can
get you a owner’s e-mail address.
The sound installation would be fairly easy since most of the wiring is already in the 4015 for the factory installed sound unit.
bangert1.
Then you can you answer the wheel slippage concern. Do you or do you not have traction tires?
I’ve got a Trix Big Boy, #4013 without sound or DCC. Fantastically smooth and quiet runner. Initially, its pulling power on grades was severely limited, but after cleaning the wheels and some break-in running to wear off the factory finish on the treads, it now pulls like a mule! I don’t have enough cars to put behind it to stop it on the flats… I have over 50 cars… Pulls 10 NMRA weighted cars up a 4% grade that is a 22’ radius for about 6 linear feet before leveling out again.
Thanks to those on this forum that gave me the hints on helping it pull.
Since I am running a DCC layout, I figure that I will install a standard decoder for now and perhaps later, when I can afford it, will start converting my loco fleet to sound. Then I would probably install a Soundtraxx system. The loco and tender are very simple to disassemble for decoder & speaker installations and there is lots of room in the tender.
The best part is that I bought it on EBay, brand new in the factory sealed shipping carton for $310.00!!! ($10.00 was for shipping) $300 was the minimum bid on a 10 day listing and I bid and won! No one else even bid. Talk about luck. Hope that there are some more lucky ones out there, this is a truly great loco.
That means without the four traction tires.
Just got a response from another modeler. Once the coating wears off it pulled 50 cars up a 2.5 to 3.grade.
Jonathon if you can pick two new ones up off e-bay for $600.00 plus shipping include ME.
The trix I have does not have traction tires, but will handle 40 cars on the 2% grade if the cars roll easily. However, Kadee cars do not roll well and a helper must added if all of the train is made up of Kadee cars.
I believe additional weight could be added to the engine if extra draw bar pull is needed as I removed the boiler and looked at the drive system.
It is a beautiful engine. But it is overpriced–like all things Trix. And that’s too bad. Personally, I can’t see paying $500.00+ for an engine that I have to modify to function adequately. However, if you can score one on Ebay for $300.00 (WOW, UP_SantaFe–and a ten-day listing! AMAZING!), then I think it’s worth it.
Patience is the key here. Just bought a BLI E7A for $110.00 on Ebay. Not too bad.
to locomotive 3,
No, my 4013 does not have traction tires. The AC 3 rail European models have them. The US DC/DCC 2 rail engines do not.
Thanx to everyone who has provided me with links. Your efforts are appreciated.
4884bigboy if you get one you will love it belive me.
I see the prices are $650.00 from www.firsthobby.com , $791.00 from discountrains and 1stplacehobbies for $755.00.
Any body got a cheaper source and what are the warranty/repair terms?
If you go shopping for a Trix Big Boy, be aware that Trix has also made 2-rail DC versions with European-style NEM wheels (for example, T22598). These models have deeper flanges and European couplers. You could run one on Code 100 track without a problem, but you’d want to test-run one on code 83 or code 70 if you use those rail sizes. The flanges would also be a little bit more apparent.
Thanks for reading MR,
Terry