N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ditape on April 07, 2020, 01:59:50 PM

Title: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 07, 2020, 01:59:50 PM
Not n gauge but as n gauge/scale Big Boys (one of my favourite Locos) that are DCC friendly are hard to get hold of here in the UK until Kato release theirs or Athearn re-release some and being on Lock Down I have just received this HO kit to pass some time. Thank you Postie for Delivering my sanity savers.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/90/3799-070420135633.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=90485)
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Gizzy on April 07, 2020, 02:21:46 PM
They are indeed the most incredible machines.

I went to a garden railway exhibition a few years ago, and they had a G scale one, shunting up and down a 18 ft length of track on 3 trestle tables.

It still looked very impressive even moving slowly up and down the line, but they remain firmly out of my pay grade....
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: njee20 on April 07, 2020, 02:27:09 PM
Always preferred SP AC12 Cab Forwards, but Big Boys are pretty awesome, just for their sheer scale!
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: emjaybee on April 07, 2020, 04:18:20 PM
Having stood next to one in real life, they are just awesome! Although I dont model US, i plan on getting a Kato/Athearn one when theyre available. I mean, why wouldn't you?

I'd like to have a shelf with Beyer-Garratt, Challenger and Big Boy all lined up.
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 07, 2020, 04:28:58 PM
My first experience of a big boy was the 12" gauge one @the Dobwalls Forrest Park Railway and that one was impressive when in steam. I have a challenger already.
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Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: mr bachmann on April 07, 2020, 08:30:38 PM
congrat's on the Revel kit , they are a easy build , you wont have much trouble with the valve gear , also it scales up nice alongside  the HO Athern one .
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: njee20 on April 07, 2020, 09:04:40 PM
I remember going to Dobwalls aged about 4, was awesome!
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 07, 2020, 11:56:24 PM
Yes it was a wonderful place to visit, it is now a arts centre and the locos are in Australia :'( :( :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Graham on April 08, 2020, 12:12:25 AM
Dobwalls was one of the places we visited on our last holiday in England before emigrating so would have been 1986, just when a large storm hit Cornwall. Interesting the loco's have followed us down under, anyone know where they ended up?
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 08, 2020, 01:25:50 AM
  the last I heard they were going to Australia under the ownership of one Colin Rees of Melbourne.
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Graham on April 08, 2020, 02:19:37 AM
thanks for that will go hunting when allowed.
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: emjaybee on April 08, 2020, 08:26:28 AM
I Googled Dobwalls as I'd never heard of it. According to the info available it closed in 2006 for refurbishment and never resurfaced.

The largest/best locos, as previously mentioned, went 'down under' and there were details of where some of them ended up, but the locations mean nothing to me. Have a look yourself, it'll mean more to yourselves.
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Graham on April 08, 2020, 09:38:40 AM
thanks for this, they ended up at Diamond Valley Railway which is not too far from me. they have quite a set up there.

https://www.dvr.com.au/ (https://www.dvr.com.au/)
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 14, 2020, 10:04:01 PM
The kit of a Big Boy has been assembled ready for applying the decals it is huge 18" long.


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/3799-140420220324.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=91018)
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Bealman on April 14, 2020, 10:08:42 PM
You've done a great job, Di!!  :thumbsup:

So how long is the entire model?
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 14, 2020, 10:12:56 PM
Quote from: Bealman on April 14, 2020, 10:08:42 PM
So how long is the entire model?

18" or 464 mm
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: emjaybee on April 14, 2020, 11:05:19 PM
Cracking job there.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Bealman on April 14, 2020, 11:06:50 PM
 :laughabovepost:

Sorry, Di - senior male moment rolled into one.

I thought you meant the decal was 18" long!  :smackedface:
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: emjaybee on April 14, 2020, 11:08:30 PM
Quote from: Bealman on April 14, 2020, 11:06:50 PM
:laughabovepost:

Sorry, Di - senior male moment rolled into one.

I thought you meant the decal was 18" long!  :smackedface:

:laughabovepost:
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: chrispearce on April 17, 2020, 12:50:22 AM
Excellent model-making Di. I went to Dobwalls in about 2002. Thank God I did! It was soon to be lost forever. Going to and from visiting my Grandmother in Cornwall we would always drive past the sign for Dobwalls and I vowed, one day, I would go as I had seen pics in books many times. I think it is some boring old holiday huts now. Shame.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Big Boy
Post by: Ditape on April 17, 2020, 10:16:35 AM
I used to go often when I lived in Torpoint, I missed it when it closed.