Lionmaster vs. scale

My Lionmaster N&W A is the only non-scale engine I've retained in my roster. Speaking specifically about my engine, Lionel did an outstanding job with the selective compression. As long as it's not doubleheaded with my scale A, I'd doubt that you would even notice the difference in size.

 

I'd say if you want a Lionmaster BB, go for it.

 

Youtube has a video comparing a scale (JLC) Lionel BB to the Lionmaster...

 

Gilly

I have the lionmaster big boy and it is one great unit.  the size difference is not noticeable but then I do not have a scale big boy, just a 4-8-4 northern.  I say go for it.

I have the Lionmaster Big Boy and I think it would be fine to run in an otherwise scale environment. It's about 10-15% undersize, but it's still big enough that it won't look out of place with a train of scale size steam-era cars or next to a scale Mikado or Pacific. It would't look right next to a scale 4-12-2 or Challenger - but those won't fit on your 0-54 either, so that doesn't matter. If you want a Big Boy and you can't do 0-72, it's a good option. I think the Lionmaster is a better choice than the comparable Rail King or K-Line engines. The K-Line is noticeably smaller and lacks detail, especially the valve gear, and the Rail King looks kind of odd, like it was chopped off instead of scaled down. 

 

 

 

 

I agree with the other posters on this one. Lionel did an exceptional job in scaling down the engine not to make it look odd. I believe you will be happy with the results.

The LM Big Boy is the only semi-scale loco that can play with scale locos and look right at home.  It looks scale unless right up alongside a scale Big Boy or Allegheny: even next to Pacifics or Berkshires or smaller Northerns it looks right at home - and like its the boss.  The advantage big advantage it had for me, besides being able to handle tighter 60" curves on my inside loop, is that on curves is does not have extreme boiler stick out on curves.  

The LM Challenger is also a great piece; it can live with the big boys (no pun intended).

A friend has one.

 

Another small-but-big loco that was compressed beautifully is the MTH RK Imperial Triplex.

I have one. The cab and cylinders and boiler are all 1/4" scale size and heft - like a scale model of a smaller Triplex, not a sub-scale model of a bigger Triplex. 

Wes,

Many lists have repeatedly extolled the virtues and value of the Lion master line.  I'm also a big fan.

I know your question is specifically about the big boy. If you want  a general idea of how a  Lionmaster looks next to some scale locos look in the photo album forum under my post called Lionel Union Pacific. My lionmaster challenger ( yes I know you're asking about big boy) still looked pretty good next to a scale Big Boy and 4-12-2.

So long as they're not right next to each other I think they still look pretty good all things considered.  For size reference the scale 4-12-2 is about the same size as the scale Mallets.

I run my Lionmaster Big Boy with all scale steam rolling stock from that era and its still massive size definitely holds up with scale rolling stock and other scale locomotives.

 

Like others have said, as long as you don't park it next to a scale Big Boy, Challenger, or Allegheny, it will hold it's own parked next to other scale locomotives.  Its really a great compromise, on a great locomotive.

 

Would I love to own the latest VL Big Boy, you bet, but buying the Lionmaster big boy years ago was and is a no-brainer for me since it can run anywhere on my present layout and certainly on any future one of my dreams.

 

Lionmaster Challenger next to scale M10000

 

Here is my Lionmaster Challenger next to a scale CN Turbo Train:

 

 

 

 

Size comparison of JLC, Lionmaster and American Flyer Challengers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pic shows pretty well how some of the various Big Boys compare size-wise.

In the right column from top to bottom are:

 

Lionel Scale size JLC BB

 

Lionel Lionmaster BB

 

Railking(Early, NOT Imperial) BB

 

K Line BB

 

Lionel LionMaster Challenger

 

Lionel Scale size Southern Pacific AC-9

 

In semi-scale, IN MY OPINION, the Lionmaster has the best selectively compressed proportions. The Early Rail King BB's were too short and chunky looking, particularly in the tender. The K Line was a very Nice, WELL  DETAILED model, but just too small, even smaller than the LM Challenger below it in the pic.

 

Mixed in with other SCALE articulateds, you would notice the difference, side by side, but with smaller scale locomotives, it would probably not be too noticeable.

The Lionmaster series was an Excellent line, that I am Sad to see Lionel discontinue. As the pic shows, I also have 4 LM Challengers, and a LM Cab-Forward, since that pic was taken, I have also added a LM NYC Hudson, ALL are Excellent performers.

 

 

 

 

Doug