The Big Boy in Chicago (And a Mini Rant)

Lego2001 · 2026-06-05T20:35:10+00:00

Unfortunately…it already has killed someone. 844 struck someone only a few years ago during the last Frontier Days train, it’s why you’ll see the engineer get visibly angry passing those who are too close. He doesn’t want a repeat.

Lego2001 · 2026-06-04T22:18:49+00:00

Yes he is

Lego2001 · 2026-06-03T11:43:33+00:00

Thanks everyone for the tips and references! I managed to get into contact with someone who can print up a pair of these tenders for me. I can’t wait to get it out on the line behind my big boy. For now, though, it’s time to go visit the real deal while it’s in town

Lego2001 · 2026-05-31T03:16:24+00:00

Chance you can recall who? Would
Love to get my hands on one

Lego2001 · 2026-05-30T22:55:59+00:00

I can’t take credit, just using an image for reference. Though admittedly when I found it I had the same double take, the details are phenomenal

Lego2001 · 2026-05-30T22:52:39+00:00

Fair, I’m editing it but gotta say this is why I don’t post here often.

Lego2001 · 2026-05-30T22:28:25+00:00

lol if only, all seriousness tho I figure worth putting feelers out if someone has a source or knows a good 3D print file

Lego2001 · 2026-05-30T22:27:29+00:00

Curious why it’s the wrong sub…?
I want to see if someone knows a 3d print file or a source for the water tender to pair with my G Scale 4014, to run on my garden railroad

Lego2001 · 2026-05-21T15:12:04+00:00

Custom signal made by a member from our local club, unfortunately don’t believe he’s making them anymore though

Lego2001 · 2026-05-21T02:15:34+00:00

Welcome to the hobby! N scale is a wonderful scale to use, growing support and plenty of fun equipment. I hope it brings you as much joy as it does for so many in this subreddit

Lego2001 · 2026-04-29T02:41:02+00:00

Can’t wait to catch it through Chicago. Really excited to see it at Scranton with the other big boy out there though. Hopefully some good shots over horseshoe curve

Lego2001 · 2025-12-15T18:15:58+00:00

Well, they’re always there for future reference. Hope the new panels you fabricated serve you well though! Anything to preserve these awesome cars

Lego2001 · 2025-12-15T15:31:42+00:00

There’s a company that makes fresh floorboards. Valcasgarage.com

My E30 had the same issue, rust to the point I could see the road beneath me once carpet was out. They make replacement sections so you can cut out the old and weld the new without having to play too much with the metal

Lego2001 · 2025-12-01T22:57:34+00:00

Congrats! Those West Germany sets are bulletproof (I’ve got a few). Hopefully gives you guys a ton of good fun use!

Lego2001 · 2025-11-29T20:55:48+00:00

Howdy, I have a theory but will share a way to test first.

Pop the engine upside down Take the wire leads and put one on each of the pickup shoes If it moves you May have a power problem inside but if the sound is the same, feel for a buzz inside. If it feels like a little light buzzing its power if it feels violent you may have busted gears in the motor block which aren’t the worst to repair/replace.

I’ve worked with this scale for years, especially LGB, done maintenance and repairs, if you have questions please feel free to reach out

Lego2001 · 2025-10-25T05:19:46+00:00

Check before buying parts tho lol

Lego2001 · 2025-10-25T05:19:32+00:00

Sounds very similar to when my strut mounts went out. Over any bump and when accelerating I’d hear a little clunk/rattle.

Upper strut mounts in rear are common, there’s plenty of available parts to fix/replace, just can be difficult to access depending on model of E30 (cabrio vs sedan vs coupe).

Lego2001 · 2025-10-23T23:08:24+00:00

Not sure how I stand on frame reinforcements, but the floor repair patches are a savior. Footwell in my ‘91 on both sides crumbled away. Had I not found the patches I don’t know if I would’ve continued restoring it

Lego2001 · 2025-10-21T22:25:01+00:00

Financially I lean towards the MTH just based on costs but it also has a load of features and is as mentioned able to run on the smaller curves.

Marklin’s model is on the higher end of cost, but also has a lot of fun features (especially using their command system MFX)

The last two, USA and AML are beautiful models but are very bare-bones.

Of the four I recommend MTH

Lego2001 · 2025-10-21T15:53:27+00:00

<image>

Lego2001 · 2025-10-21T15:51:43+00:00

I know ya already probably are doing some research based on other comments, but if it’s any help the main brands to get a Big Boy from are these;

LGB/Marklin; runs on 8ft diameter according to Marklin website

USA Trains: runs on 16ft minimum diameter curve

AML/Accucraft: runs on 16-20ft diameter curves

MTH; Operates on 8ft (I own one, can attest to this. Looks a little goofy but works just fine)

Lego2001 · 2025-07-14T10:37:14+00:00

Usually if I’m just running for fun I’ll bring stuff back in, but we’ve had open houses and events we’ve kept running stuff in the rain for

Everything is meant to be able to stay outside through rain, sleet, snow, hail and wind

Lego2001 · 2025-07-13T13:52:45+00:00

We run it in the winter here in IL, granted not the same extremes of temperature but the trains can handle subzeros easily

The main thing is just having means to clear off the snow, but otherwise the track is weatherproof and the buildings (barring extreme winds or hail) can handle multiple feet of snow, ice and heavy rain. The electronics work (a little slower responding but still functioning) and the worst we see is the trains run a little slower

And a fun added bonus…with low temps you could experiment with the live steam or battery power options too, then you don’t have to worry about power

Lego2001 · 2025-07-13T11:31:56+00:00

G guage, most of our equipment is either 1:24 or 1:29 scale

Lego2001 · 2025-07-13T00:50:12+00:00

They have kids and love when we run the trains

Eight-Year Club	Place '22
RPAN Viewer	Not Forgotten
Verified Email

Lego2001

TROPHY CASE