Lionel vision line big boy, who is in for one?

Give the Train Loft in NC a call.  I think they're still selling their custom run, scale-sized K-Line "Big Boys" extended vision caboose, a very worthy match-up for Lionel's upcoming Big Boy!    Terrific paint scheme.  Check it out here.  (The 3 UP boxcars are cool too.)

 

David

I can relate!  Decisions... decisions...

 

Given a choice between the 1225 (black or gold) and another huge Big Boy, it's a no-brainer... And a little easier on the wallet too. 

 

David

Which is utterly fascinating.  First, no better proof exists that no other loco commands more attention than the Big Boy than the quick growth ins responses here. Some people quibble if it was the most powerful or the most torque or the heaviest or whatever, but definitely, nothing disturbs the anthill like a post about a Big Boy!

Second, the interest in the Vision line shown here is quite remarkable.  A few, like me, noted that the big Legacy locos offer more value for the money, but the number of people who seem willing to buy and the enthusiasm for the Vision line are both and heartening to me: I won't be buying a V Big Boy but that is only because all the features mentioned so far just aren't worth it, given the JLC now on my shelf.

 

Third, the level of detail wanted by some people astounds me.  I'm not criticizing: the world is a better place because there is someone out there who cares about the nozzles on the ends of the sand pipes, and is willing to put their money where their mouth is and buy if and when . . . its what drives and improves the market.  Someone has to care about those things, and it is not going to be me with my laissiz faire attitude about prototypical details.

 

Finally, I'm thinking of how easy it is for Lionel to do market research. No need to do market surveys or hire a consultant to evaluate the market.   Just announce something like this might be in the works and stand back and watch the discussion!   

Unfortunately Lee, 1/2 of the people that say they are in would find a reason not to buy one when delivered.

"And I also believe that it will have the whistle steam effects that has been lacking from their latest steam engines. Especially since the Vision products are suppose to be a grade above the normal products. Just like the first Vision engines that had all of these new features on them. Then we got spoiled with these features by seeing them put on none Vision engines."

 

 

I don't believe that you'll see it. Lionel has had a ton of problems with their smoke units. They stopped putting the effects in new engines because of all the maintenance problems. And I have a Big Boy, don't need another so I'd pass.

No doubt you are correct.  Maybe more than half, because I would not be surprised, given the size of the Big Boy, its iconic status, and the inevitable effects of inflation, if list price isn't $2,299 or more. 

 

I'm definitely in assuming it has the same features as the Challenger and hopefully more.  The only other feature I think should be there is the close coupling like the Milwaukee Road S3.  Also, I wonder if they could put steam cylinder affects in just the back cylinders.  I imagine it could be prototypical to clear one set of cylinders at a time.  I'm not holding my breath though. 

 

Rich

I'm in, provided no big unexpected expenses pop up between now and then.

 

Andy

If the Big Boy has no whistle steam, there will be NO credit card steam.

Guaranteed. In stone.

 

The whistle steam issue is a repair cost issue.

I was told this directly by "he who must not be named."

The tooling cost is Lionel's party line to avoid the complaints of people like me.

Lionel had no problem with the tooling cost to put whistle steam into a host of locos.

It ain't tooling. It's the failure/repair cost rate.

 

I also agree with Hot Water and Marty. I want prototypical features.

No swinging bell on this one.

A swinging whistle, however . . . . . Teasing.

 

Curmudeon Scher

 

Now this is a VERY INTERESTING request! Why? Because the UP 4000 class locomotives were/are the only articulated locomotives that I'm aware of that had two separate cylinder cock valves, so the Engineer could clear just the front engine, or just the rear engine, or both engines. Generally the practice was to have the cylinder cocks open longer on the front engine in order to for-stall slipping when accelerating a heavy train at slower speeds.

I have the MTH 4014, I hope they release an updated sound set if they decide to re-release their version.

 

 

 

Thats what i heard to. It cost up to 100k to add these features from what i was told.. Tooling and parts and labor..Thats alot of trains to sell to pay for that..

I agree regarding point 1 but I cannot imagine they'll offer this model without whistle steam. Would be good if the steam came out of the whistle instead of a hole next to/under it.

 

Point 2: I always suspected as much but this is hardly rocket science - it must be possible to invent (without vast cost) a reliable smoke unit for features apart from the main stack.

 

Point 3: (someone else's) - would be nice if it worked right out of the box as my GE Hybrid did (even if with rusty wheels).

 

P.S. I am also a curmudgeon.

 

 

 

 

Given the desire for buyers who missed out on the 2006 run combined with 4014 "restoration fever" it should be a coveted item.

I'm sure it will be a fine locomotive that would be great to have but I'm a buy-and-hold type of guy. In my collection I already have and love the JLC version. I run conventional, don't mind the whistle, and almost never run smoke so I can't quite justify the expense. Plus having the Big Boy, Challenger, and 4-12-2, I think I'm done with the really big freight steamers.  (I don't see anyone making an accurate TTT) so outside of rolling stock I think my $$$ stays with me.

Now if they would just make a smaller Vision Line passenger steamer like a prototypical or even "accurate-ish" Union Pacific P77 type 4-6-2 or MT73 type 4-8-2 with matching heavyweight cars that I can proudly run on my smaller inner loops ....then I would be whole-hog-pay-to-order on the li$t to buy.  Something different than the recent regurgitation of K4s, Southern Crescent, Blue Vomit, Alton Lame-o-ted, and Xeroxed Hudsons.

(Apologies to all the fans I've just insulted, but I'm kind of tired right now and maybe a little jealous)

Anyway there's no way I would even consider the new Big Boy unless the box is black and maybe says Vision Line somewhere.

Know this is an old thread, but I have watched the video of the new VL BB and the wheels are turning in my head about buying one.  I am not one for the alternating smoke/depleting coal load, but this is an incredibly smooth engine, judging by the video.  

 

And the sound...WOW!  It shakes my soul with that whistle!  Almost feel like I am standing in the Wasatch!  Love the 'blow down' effects also.

 

I have the '99 TMCC and a Legacy Big Boy.  If the VL BB was not north of $2K I would be in.  Just hard to part with that much cash for an engine I already own, let alone a 'toy train'.

 

Going to be a hard decision.  I also like the limited build numbers of this engine. Will truly be a collectible due to the limited build, no matter if you buy one or not..when they hit the secondary market, the prices are likely to not be much lower than new, probably more.  

 

I will be checking to see if those cabooses and boxcars that Rocky mentioned are still available!  Love all of them!

 

 

86TA355SR, I saw and heard it in action at this past York show. All I can say is Unbelievable, even my wife loved it.

 

I missed out on the Legacy BB(other priorities) or the earlier BB so timing for me could not be better for getting my first BB. It should fit right in with my other Vision engines, another winner.

 

   

I love my Bigboy I also have the JLC legacy Bigboy which runs great and the detail  looks excellent  

>>>And the sound...WOW!  It shakes my soul with that whistle!<<

 

Yep.. I agree.. great sound.  I hear something very close to it all the time on the Lionel FEF.    

Joe

Great to hear.  I would love to hear it in person.  It sounds fantastic in the video.

 

Excited for guys like you who don't have a Big Boy.  You won't be disappointed, especially since it is a VL model!

 

I would have to think about what cab number I would buy-one of the later ones I am sure.  I have 4006 and 4012.

 

The winter storm has been keeping my Legacy Big Boy hostage!  UPS is doing there best.  Feel bad for those guys, I helped dig out a UPS truck in front of my house yesterday, he didn't stand a chance in 13" of snow!  My BB wan't on it either.  Along with my Legacy BB, they have 2 other engines of mine!  

 

I can't wait to see the Legacy BB!  

 

I've watched that video clip several times now, and it impresses more each time. The first time I ever saw a Top Fuel Dragster, I was so impressed by the sound. Nothing since has ever made me feel the same-until now, with the VL BB.

 

Complicating this decision is I bought 10 engines this year, 5 of them Legacy steamers (I am very thankful for what I have).  Not to mention there isn't a firm price on it

 

But, I am a 'die-hard' Union Pacific steam guy, so I may not have a choice but to buy one...  

Well boys and girls,

Tomorrow is the beginning of February. Soon, I hope we know how much this thing costs!

 

I told my wife I have to buy it-I have to many reefers and need another Big Boy 

 

She wasn't impressed.....

Well, February is a month long, and they said we'd find out in February.  Still 25 days to go.

I hear you!  Been painful!

Im hearing 2400.  Thats crazy but i guess im crazy cause i will definetly be getting one. I heard lionel is only making the number of engines for the exact orders they get. It would be awesome if they SERIALIZED the number diecut into the engine. So you would know you got 157 of 389 made.

I think serial numbers are a terrible idea.

 

I've witnessed this in the collector car world and all it does is drive prices up.

 

Opinion-Lionel won't do this for a lot of different reasons.  I am glad.

 

As for the price, I guess we'll all know soon!  I am not speculating on what it is going to be.  I do plan on pre-ordering after I see who has the lowest price.  Don't see any sense in jumping on the 'pre-pre-order' band wagon.

 

I am like you, I must be crazy!  But, there are many others crazy like us   I understand your UP fix!

 

And, you heard correctly- Lionel is only making the number of engines for the exact orders they get.

I sure wouldn't count on THAT happening, as I'm sure that Lionel does NOT release production quantities, for competitive reasons. Besides, that would eventually create a huge lengthy discussion here on OGR for folks either seeking the LOWEST serial number, or the HIGHEST serial number.

I'm guessing that the large distributors will place orders for locomotives in excess of the pre-orders, there will be some around after the initial shipment.  As to how many extra, that's probably a well-kept secret.

 

I'm in.  While my interests are centered on railroads once common throughout Wisconsin,  I decided to place a deposit on 4017 as the BTO deadline arrived.  Its preserved at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin just 30 mn north of me.  This will be my first Vision Line Locomotive. 

 

 

It keeps company with another preserved survivor in the background.

 

$1740 with tax? still, the best price I've seen..yet!

My orders are placed.  Look forward to their arrival.

 

It is going to be an epic locomotive.  Those on the fence who didn't buy one are going to wish they did.  

 

 

I'm not getting one.  I have the original Legacy JLC one and I only run it once or twice a year.  So to be admired on the shelf isn't worth the big bucks for me.

I ordered one. I just hope that it arrives next year so that I can get the funds ready to pay for it.  I will double head it with my 4023. That loop already has the GN Challenger and a consist of Reading triple (H9 and two Camelbacks).  Some cars will be declared excess on that loop.