Rumors....Truth? Will SUNSET release a super detailed BIG BOY ?

Only Scott and 3rd Rail know for sure.  No one else knows facts, only rumors.

 

It'd be cool if they do, but after buying the VL BB I'll probably pass.  BB have been done a lot over the past few years.  Would rather see something not done before, but that is my opinion.

As nice as it may be, I'll pass. With the Lionel big boy coming there is no way I could buy two. 

 

Im with Aaron I'd rather he make something else That has not been made before. Of course if it was a UP PROTOTYPE I'd be happy.

The only way I could see Scott doing it, is if he was the first one to do the restored version after it's been converted to an oil burner. Otherwise, there's already plenty of coal versions out there, and on the way.

The "announcement" was made at this years Chicago Area O SCALE March Meet. There was even a nice brochure, which someone stole. Going by memory, the model will be available in 2-Rail ONLY, and probably NOT until about 2016 or later. I think the projected price was $2999.95, again going by memory. I also think that Scott may wait to see just what the configuration of the UP 4014 bight look like, after conversion to oil burning.

 

For what it's worth, both Key and Kohs have also "announced" super high-end models of UP 4000 class steam locomotives.

Sunset already did a very well detailed Big Boy.  I doubt they want to compete with Key and Kohs.

 

I would love to find one.  Been looking for one for a long time.  Hard to locate.

That "anniversary series" model came in only two road numbers, #4023 & #4024, and one or the other seem to show up on eBay fairly often, in either 3-Rail or 2-Rail.

Hotwater,

 

Thanks for the precisions and details. So, if I understand you, this SUNSET Big Boy would be based out of the current project of "Fueling" the UP-4014.

 

I have a SUNSET 4023 (coal of course) but would not mind also owning a super detailed SUNSET 4014 as I will not be able to afford the KEY or KOHS Big Boys.

 

Hopefully, Scott will chime in and give us more details about this project.

 

Thanks

Yves

 

Yves,

HW was with me at the Sunset / Golden Gate display at this year's March Meet in Chicago where we had a placard addressing the potential for some high end products from what would be a new division of Sunset Models with a different name and target market than the current one.

 

There were two potential projects that were discussed with interested parties - the

# 4014 as it will appear when rebuilt and a PRR T1 duplex. At this time nothing has moved forward on this potential new business foray for Sunset nor has the idea been scrapped.

 

If this venture moves forward it would most likely be addressed for only the 2 rail community since the 3 rail market does not seem to be desirous of supporting very  high end pricing ie $4K and up while importers such as Key, Kohs,and C&LWS have proven there is a market for very high end 2 rail models.

What I am seeing listed above does NOT sound like an interest in doing new and

different prototypes, but...just the same ones done over again...

Obviously you have not gone to the Sunset/3rd Rail website and checked out all their "new and different prototypes", such as the Erie Berkshires, the N&W 4-8-0 M Class, and various new diesels. Some "new and different prototypes" that Sunset/3rd Rail has delivered over the last year or so are; Great Northern 0-7 & 0-8 class 2-8-2s, SP AC-9 2-8-8-4s in both oil and coal burning, C&NW 4-8-4s, and B&O 4-8-2s to name just a few. You will NOT find ANY of those models from any other manufacturer in O Scale 3-Rail.

I never implied that the potential new product line would be new prototypes. Most likely,it would be something that the person putting up the money to do the project can make a profit from.

 

What is it you would like to see that you would purchase?

I will have a super detailed Sunset 2-rail BB fairly soon, by upgrading my 1995 version! This will save me lots of money.

A UP Big Boy is the last (maybe) loco I have yet to acquire in O scale 3R. I have wanted one since I was about 5 years old and a neighbor gave me a old issue of MR magazine that had a article on a guys collection of O scale locos. One of the larger photos was of a Max Gray BB.....man I thought that was the coolest model ever......and since my loco collection was a Lionel starter set 4-4-2........you can see why!! I may not be able to afford a Sunset model.....but more BB on the market.....more chance to get a older one! 

Dave,

You might look for one of the first BB's Lionel did in late 99/early 2000s with TMCC.  I've found several for $500-$700 (in very nice condition).  If command control isn't necessary, I saw an MTH PS version go for $410!

 

The Lionel BBs were limited in detail, but with some added detail parts installed by yourself, you can have a very nice model in no time.   

 

Good luck.

Rheil,

 

I like the idea of SUNSET moving into different territories. I simply hope their Anniversary Series does not go away, as they provide a fantastic level of details and quality for a very nice price point.

 

Now, if Scott wants to compete with Kohs, Keys and C&LWS, I am all for it. The more the merrier. If that luxury branch can help sustain the traditional SUNSET, it is even better.

 

Thanks for the precisions and clarifications.

 

Yves

Well now, that's very interesting indeed - how did you do this? I wasn't aware it was a possibility with these models.

 

FYI I have the #4023 and I agree it's a beautiful model although (a) it clanks around the layout with a fair amount of mechanical noise (not from the motor but the other running gear) and (b) I have always been a little disappointed by the generic Lionel whistle and articulated steamer sounds. 

 

So if swapping a chip is a possibility I'd definitely be interested in learning how to do it.