VL Big Boy or Cab Forward???

It's a no brainer for me. The cab forward wins.

 

I like SP, but cannot stand the attitude of the UP management with regards to:

-not allowing restored locomotives that they do not own on their trackage,

-plus their recent attempt to force toy train manufacturers to pay for their logo on the toy trains.

 

 

I have the new Legacy Cab Forward, and the new VL BB on the way..... if I had to choose only one..... My personal choice would be the VL BB, hands down... and I could couldn't care less about the depleting coal load.

 

I also have the Legacy BB, and ordered the VL in a different road number. Seeing the VL in person, and hearing the sounds is what sold me on the new one. Physically they are the same, but the sounds in the new VL blow the Legacy version out of the water. 

One thing to consider is we will see a Big Boy in excursion service again.  The Cab Forward has found a great home, so I don't think it will ever leave.

I really like the Cab Forwards cause they are so different. 

 

that is what we are told so that's what we have to go with hot water. do you know something we don't.

Having seen the latest Vision Line #4014 at the local hobby shop today, I must admit that I really prefer the cab forward over the 4014. Closely checking the details, I found the cab forward to be much more accurate. That of course is my opinion, however.

I think they are both magnificent engines in their own way. No question the features and sounds of the new Vision Line Big Boy are the best in the industry. How could anyone go wrong with this selection.

 

The Cab Forward is arguably the best one done in O-Gauge so far. But to compare these engines one to one in terms of value would be impossible, just considering the different price points.

 

I chose the Daylight Cab Forward as it suited a need on my layout. I had a beautiful set of K-Line 21" matching Daylight Lightweight passenger cars that needed a lead engine (and I am perfectly OK that this engine never pulled the prototypical train). For me, this was a logical and the best decision.

Has Eric posted a video review of the new Cab Forward? If so, does anyone know which video number it is?

Thanks.

"Has Eric posted a video review of the new Cab Forward? If so, does anyone know which video number it is?

Thanks"

 

Not to my knowledge, John. But Mike Reagan posted a video and if you look back on the running thread for the Cab Forward, you will find it. It does an excellent job in highlighting the features of this engine.

Take a look at the thread on overhang on the BB, at O-138 it is still significant. I have been on the fence about the BB, seeing those photos was the deal breaker. Might sound great, have very detail perfect, but it would be a wrecking ball for everything within several inches of the track.

Those cab forwards sure look good too. Will be giving that a lot of thought over the next few days.

Yes, Eric did:

 

 

Chris

Thanks Chris, Eric's review was, as always, very helpful!

john

John....ultimately it will be up to you as to which locomotive to buy.  Both of them are magnificent in their own right.  I like them both so perhaps if they would just paint a Big Boy in daylight colors...then...???  OK...just kidding!

 

Alan

Alan,

Do you have any SP orange paint to spare? I have plenty of D&RG to spare!

Great suggestion.

John

For me, definitely the Big Boy - just have never been a cab-forward fan. 

I believe I'd choose the cab forward, since I've had a thing for them stemming back to my HO days.  Could never afford one back then so I'd cobble together fantasy versions using a switcher or mogul, etc.  Unfortunately either Lionel articulated wouldn't negotiate my existing layout without major reworking.

 

Bruce