Kato (USA) Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive 4014 K126-4014
£319.99
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SKU:
K126-4014
Vendor:
Kato (USA)
Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive 4014
The History of the Big Boy
The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) 4000-class steam locomotive “Big Boy” is the world’s biggest and strongest steam locomotive, with the unique 2DD2 (4-8-8-4) axle arrangement, a gross weight of 507 tonnes, and a total length of 40 metres, including the tender. Constructed by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) between 1941 and 1944, 25 Big Boys were built and were active until 1959. In 2019, No. 4014 resumed operation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of North America's first transcontinental railroad, after nearly 60 years in preservation.
Founded in 1869 to oversee the construction of North America's first transcontinental railroad, the Union Pacific Railroad has a vast network focused on a route from Omaha, Nebraska, through Salt Lake City, Utah, splitting to reach both Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California. It is the oldest transcontinental route in the USA, transporting the largest volume of goods across the western states.
The most challenging part of this route is the Wasatch Range in the Rocky Mountains, on the Wyoming-Utah border. This section includes an 11.4‰ incline stretching over 100 km. Despite not being very steep, this lengthy incline was difficult for locomotives pulling freight trains over 1.6 km long.
To tackle this, Union Pacific initially introduced the 3900-class 'Challenger' locomotive, known as the Big Boy's “Big Brother.” While powerful, the Challenger often required double-heading on the Wasatch Range. Thus, in 1940, Union Pacific Railroad President William Jeffers commissioned Otto Jabelmann to develop a locomotive that could independently pull 3300-tonne freight trains over this incline.
Building the World’s Biggest Steam Locomotive
In November 1940, Union Pacific ordered 15 “2DD2” (4-8-8-4) locomotives from ALCO, each featuring a massive boiler and firebox, and the articulated frame needed to navigate the terrain. In 1944, five more locomotives were added to meet growing transportation demands during WWII.
In 1946, diesel locomotives started to replace steam engines on this route, but the Big Boy continued until 1959. Although the shift to diesel was inevitable due to rising coal and labour costs, the Big Boy remained one of the last operating steam locomotives on this line.
On 21st July 1959, No. 4015 made the final run of the Big Boy, marking the end of an era. Today, only eight of the original 25 Big Boys are preserved.
The Restoration
In December 2012, Union Pacific began restoring No. 4014. By 2019, the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, this legendary locomotive was back in service, thrilling passengers on special excursions.
The Model
In spring 2023, KATO will release a 1/160 N-gauge model of the Big Boy, realising a long-held dream for the company. This model captures the scale and detail of the original, maintaining KATO’s standard of quality and craftsmanship.
Features
- Articulated frame, capable of navigating 11” (282mm) radius curves
- All-new synchronized twin-motor coreless drive for powerful performance
- Illuminated deck-mounted headlight
- Post-2021 “modern” excursion appearance
- Exquisitely molded details replicating piping across the boiler
- Heavily weighted metal frame for balance and pulling power
- Both body and tender have electrical pickups for unmatched reliability
Optional Extras
Enhance your collection with models decorated in the iconic "Union Pacific" livery, available as optional extras to complement this stunning locomotive model.
Free delivery over £99
Shipping charges vary based on the order value and destination. UK standard shipping costs range from £4.99 to £7.99.
Additional surcharges for heavy items and non-mainland UK destinations, including specific regions like Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey. We do not ship to PO Boxes and BFPO addresses.
Access Models offers efficient delivery services within the UK and overseas, aiming to dispatch orders within... Read More
Returns are accepted within 14 days for change of mind and 30 days for faulty items.
To request a return, you can contact us at sales@accessmodels.co.uk or call us on 01636673116
Access Models offers exchange or refund for eligible returns, excluding faults due to misuse or wear and tear. Customers are responsible for return postage costs, except in cases of damage or fault. Refunds are issued in accordance with the returns... Read More
Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive 4014
The History of the Big Boy
The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) 4000-class steam locomotive “Big Boy” is the world’s biggest and strongest steam locomotive, with the unique 2DD2 (4-8-8-4) axle arrangement, a gross weight of 507 tonnes, and a total length of 40 metres, including the tender. Constructed by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) between 1941 and 1944, 25 Big Boys were built and were active until 1959. In 2019, No. 4014 resumed operation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of North America's first transcontinental railroad, after nearly 60 years in preservation.
Founded in 1869 to oversee the construction of North America's first transcontinental railroad, the Union Pacific Railroad has a vast network focused on a route from Omaha, Nebraska, through Salt Lake City, Utah, splitting to reach both Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California. It is the oldest transcontinental route in the USA, transporting the largest volume of goods across the western states.
The most challenging part of this route is the Wasatch Range in the Rocky Mountains, on the Wyoming-Utah border. This section includes an 11.4‰ incline stretching over 100 km. Despite not being very steep, this lengthy incline was difficult for locomotives pulling freight trains over 1.6 km long.
To tackle this, Union Pacific initially introduced the 3900-class 'Challenger' locomotive, known as the Big Boy's “Big Brother.” While powerful, the Challenger often required double-heading on the Wasatch Range. Thus, in 1940, Union Pacific Railroad President William Jeffers commissioned Otto Jabelmann to develop a locomotive that could independently pull 3300-tonne freight trains over this incline.
Building the World’s Biggest Steam Locomotive
In November 1940, Union Pacific ordered 15 “2DD2” (4-8-8-4) locomotives from ALCO, each featuring a massive boiler and firebox, and the articulated frame needed to navigate the terrain. In 1944, five more locomotives were added to meet growing transportation demands during WWII.
In 1946, diesel locomotives started to replace steam engines on this route, but the Big Boy continued until 1959. Although the shift to diesel was inevitable due to rising coal and labour costs, the Big Boy remained one of the last operating steam locomotives on this line.
On 21st July 1959, No. 4015 made the final run of the Big Boy, marking the end of an era. Today, only eight of the original 25 Big Boys are preserved.
The Restoration
In December 2012, Union Pacific began restoring No. 4014. By 2019, the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, this legendary locomotive was back in service, thrilling passengers on special excursions.
The Model
In spring 2023, KATO will release a 1/160 N-gauge model of the Big Boy, realising a long-held dream for the company. This model captures the scale and detail of the original, maintaining KATO’s standard of quality and craftsmanship.
Features
- Articulated frame, capable of navigating 11” (282mm) radius curves
- All-new synchronized twin-motor coreless drive for powerful performance
- Illuminated deck-mounted headlight
- Post-2021 “modern” excursion appearance
- Exquisitely molded details replicating piping across the boiler
- Heavily weighted metal frame for balance and pulling power
- Both body and tender have electrical pickups for unmatched reliability
Optional Extras
Enhance your collection with models decorated in the iconic "Union Pacific" livery, available as optional extras to complement this stunning locomotive model.
Free delivery over £99
Shipping charges vary based on the order value and destination. UK standard shipping costs range from £4.99 to £7.99.
Additional surcharges for heavy items and non-mainland UK destinations, including specific regions like Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey. We do not ship to PO Boxes and BFPO addresses.
Access Models offers efficient delivery services within the UK and overseas, aiming to dispatch orders within 48 hours of receipt, contingent on payment confirmation. Standard UK deliveries are conducted via Royal Mail, typically arriving within 2-3 days, though customers are advised to allow up to 5 days. For expedited deliveries, the express service ensures next-day delivery for orders placed before 1pm, with specific provisions for orders placed over the weekend or on bank holidays.
Shipping charges vary based on the order value and destination. UK standard shipping costs range from £4.99 to £7.99, with additional surcharges for heavy items and non-mainland UK destinations, including specific regions like Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey. We do not ship to PO Boxes and BFPO addresses.
For heavy, bulky, or restricted items such as large model kits and items containing hazardous materials, special shipping considerations apply. International shipping starts at £18, with varying costs and delivery times based on destination zones. Access Models does not ship to certain countries including Spain, USA, and Australia.
Customers may encounter customs fees on international orders, which are not included in our shipping costs and are the responsibility of the customer. In case of postal losses or damage, claims may take up to 30 days to process, and we require customer confirmation to initiate this process.
Returns are accepted within 14 days for change of mind and 30 days for faulty items, in line with the EU Distance Selling Directive. Access Models offers repair, exchange, or refund for eligible returns, excluding faults due to misuse or wear and tear. Customers are responsible for return postage costs, except in cases of damage or fault. Refunds are issued in accordance with the returns policy, excluding opened packages unless they are faulty.
Unattended Deliveries and Returns:
In the event that a customer is not available to receive their order upon any delivery attempts, and the item is consequently returned to us by the courier, it is the responsibility of the customer to cover the costs of re-posting the item.
Should your order be returned due to unavailability at the delivery address during any attempts made, we will contact you to confirm the address details and arrange for re-delivery. Please be advised that we will require payment of re-postage costs before the item is dispatched again. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling and shipping the item to you for another attempt.
We strongly encourage customers to provide a delivery address where someone will be available to accept the parcel at the time of delivery to avoid the inconvenience and additional costs associated with re-posting.
Returns are accepted within 14 days for change of mind and 30 days for faulty items.
To request a return, you can contact us at sales@accessmodels.co.uk or call us on 01636673116
Access Models offers exchange or refund for eligible returns, excluding faults due to misuse or wear and tear. Customers are responsible for return postage costs, except in cases of damage or fault. Refunds are issued in accordance with the returns policy, excluding opened packages unless they are faulty.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
Please note that refunds will only cover the cost of the item(s) purchased and will not include any postage or shipping fees.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at sales@accessmodels.co.uk.