Description
Description
This is a MTH 2035771 O Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Steam Locomotive with Proto-Sound 3.0 #4019. This features Die-Cast Boiler and Tender Body, Die-Cast Metal Chassis, Authentic Paint Scheme, Real Tender Coal Load, Die-Cast Locomotive Trucks, Engineer and Fireman Figures, Metal Handrails and Decorative Bell, Decorative Metal Whistle, Metal Wheels and Axles, Remote Controlled Proto-Coupler, Kadee Coupler Mounting Pads, Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting, Constant Voltage Headlight, Operating Firebox Glow, Operating Numberboard Lights, Lighted Cab Interior, Operating Tender Back-up Light, Precision Flywheel Equipped Motor, Synchronized Puffing ProtoSmoke System, Steaming Whistle With Playable Intensity, Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments, Wireless Drawbar, 1:48 Scale Proportions, Onboard DCC Receiver, Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable, Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring: Quillable Whistle With Freight Yard Proto-Effects, Unit Measures:35 x 2 7/8 x 4 1/8, and Operates On O-72 Curves.
The Big Boy was originally designed to be a massive freight hauler packing a whopping 24 wheels on the locomotive and a massive 14-wheeled tender in tow. Designing and producing the 4-8-8-4 model was a daunting task initially with several challenges presenting themselves in production. Early upgrades would include a 25,000 gallon water tank, a 50,000 pound capacity for coal, and a whopping 135,375 pounds of tractive power! A reduction in wheel diameter from 69in to 68in would see an increase in traction, and in 1940 the decision to equip each unit with a larger firebox would be made as well. Later upgrades like an increase in boiler pressure would provide a massive boost for the Big Boy helping power the massive giant as it made its way down the Wasatch Range. The Big Boy would also feature an articulated design, and was hinged to handle the curves and twists of the Wasatch route. At top speed the Big Boy was clocked at 130km/hour (80 miles/hour), but would rarely hit such speeds, and would typically travel at 55mph. At its completion, each Big Boy would cost roughly $265,000, translating to just about $4.6 million per unit present day.
Upon their arrival from production, the 4-8-8-4 model would quickly garner attention for its massive size. Engineers and rail-yard workers alike were in awe of the colossus that was presented to them. For one ALCO employee, only one name fit for such massive engine. Wasting little time, the unnamed ALCO employee found a nearby piece of chalk and would write “Big Boy” on the #4000 engine’s smokebox door. The “Big Boy” name quickly became popular around the rail yard, before eventually going on to become the locomotives official moniker.
Condition: Factory New (C-9)
Operational Status: Functional
Original Box: Yes (P-9)
Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 20-3577-1
Road Name: Union Pacific (UP)
MSRP: $1599.95
Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Steam Loco
The Trainz SKU for this item is P12178305.
Trainz Product Id: 12178305
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