Wishful Thinking:Lionel Big Boy Pilot

I'm just not a fan of any of the pilot locomotives. I like paint and decals. However, if there is demand I would guess that Lionel would likely have an offering. From what I can tell the BTO Big Boys were likely a success for them.

 

Just my $0.02

We've often been told that pilot locomotives are "typically" used to help bring production numbers up to the overseas manufacturer's minimum production run quantity.  We're approaching a year since Lionel's VL Big Boy hit the street, so I wouldn't hold my breath on this one now.  Lionel had no trouble selling Big Boys based on dealer BTO pre-orders.  So pilots weren't necessary to meet production minimums at the time.  If Lionel ordered any Big Boy pilots, they've sure kept it a secret.  

 

David

The fact that it was also Vision Line would mean any pilot engine of the Big Boy would also have to be considered a VL product.

Make that $0.04.

Can't stand pilot steam engines ..0.6 cents

No more Pilots. Just looks naked running on the layout.

Now if it was a one off prototype and I was a collector - ok.

While I find pilot locos visually interesting as a curiosity, I can't ever see myself buying one (unless I win the Power Ball some time ).  They really would look strange running unless you have some unpainted brass rolling stock to pull behind them (that would be an interesting train to see).

 

Andy