Model Railroading > Review of Scale Trains Museum QualityBig Blow Turbine! (HO Scale)

An Abbreviated Review of the Big Blow Turbine from Scale Trains

I received my Scale Trains Big Blow Turbine Tuesday.  In addition to my review on YouTube (search JLWii2000 Turbine Review), I would like to provide a review here as well.

The first thing I noticed was the weight and appearance of the Museum Quality Box.  The box measured roughly 17 inches x 17 inches.  It was a nice touch and the locomotive was presented very well.  Another nice touch was a letter from the crew explaining how excited they were to deliver the product.  After unboxing everything and checking for broken parts,  I explored the manual and found a nicely presented product.  Some goodies include a magnifying glass, extra parts and a pin which was a nice touch.  The large amount of detail parts on the locomotives was also impressive.

All sounds were crisp and clear.  The screech of the turbine I noted as ear piercing but from others I've spoken with that was an accurate representation.  I tested all 12 functions listed and each worked as advertised.  The dynamic brake sound only activates when the locomotive is moving.  I tested the auto sensing frog wheel flange sounds and slow speed/curve wheel flange sounds.  All worked flawlessly.  I also checked to see if the startup sequence went as advertised.  The sequence is quick, but plays out as the cab light goes on, then the number boards, then instrument panel light, A unit prime mover starts up, then cab light off.  Pull test registered as 7.2 ounces on the drawbar without tender and 6.7 ounces with the tender. These models have been seen at train shows pulling 150 car consists, so my pull test seemed off. Length is approximately 24 inches long with tender.

Slow speed control had a very slight lurch at speed step one and completely smoothed out on speed step two.  Controller was MRC Prodigy Elite at 126 speed step setting.  Ground effect lighting was a nice touch along with walkway lighting on the back of the A unit.  I tested the spinning turbine blade and that functioned as advertised.  Coupler height checked good on all couplers, although one looked slightly angled up it did test dead even with the kadee coupler height gauge.  I tested wheel flanges with the NMRA gauge and that was good.

A unit weight alone = 1 lb 9.3 oz

A&B unit together = 2 lb 14.3 oz

A&B unit with tender = 3 lb 3.0 oz (ah, that's why my back gave out picking up the box).

Minimum Radius is 18" although O scale in hangover and appearance at that radius.  

Recommended Radius is 22" per ScaleTrains website

Overall, I couldn't find anything wrong with this model.  If you force me to find SOMETHING, maybe crew figures could have been installed but sometimes these ran in tandem and then the unit not in the lead may not have a crew so you're in a catch 22 in that case.

The shell easily lifts off with just the removal of a few screws and crew figures can be installed by the modeler.

MSRP: $725 this run, $775 the next release which is due in May.  Price increase is due to packing foam cost underestimates on this run.

Thanks,
James Wright



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 09/21/16 09:54 by JLW2K.

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More Photos....

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More pics including one from the video review I conducted.

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What the box looks closed and open.

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Last three photos:
Operating Cab Door
Hoses on A unit's rear end.
Open access doors on B Unit.

I hope this was of some use to someone.  

Take Care,
James Wright
Omaha, NE

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They did an outstanding job on these. If only we could have such detail in N scale!

Looks really great! I am sure this is the start of something great for modelers!
Cooper

Nicely done James, thank you.

SOU3921 Wrote:
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> Looks really great! I am sure this is the start of
> something great for modelers!
> Cooper

Where is the modeling when all the work is already done by the manufacturer?   We’ve been spoiled with superb products which has taken away from the modeling aspect.   Would weathering count?  Nah...

Thanks for the post..

 

RetireMe Wrote:
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> Where is the modeling when all the work is already
> done by the manufacturer?   We’ve been spoiled
> with superb products which has taken away from the
> modeling aspect.   Would weathering count?
>  Nah...

You make it sound like a bad thing.  While some, who are very skilled, "might" be able to build a model this well detailed and standing up to close scrutiny, I know I couldn't. I don't have such steady hands or talent.  I am pleased we can buy such nice high quality products and enjoy the hobby.

Cheers, Jim Fitch 

That's a fine model.  Since the "Big Blow" was the flagship of ScaleTrains first year I am glad that it looks and operates this well.  Your video review showed smooth running and good pulling - that should be shared with the "Rivet Counter" versions.  Congratulations to Shane and his gang at Scale Trains for putting so much care and effort into getting a high quality model to market for us.  Thank you James for getting the review out since these are new to the market.

Gary B.
Waverly, NE

I have one simple question: Is the Scale Trains Big Blow BETTER than the Overland Brass Models with respect to detail and operation? ? I KNOW the sound system is better by default. 

Dear ?,

Hands down better in tons of categories.

1. Much less expensive
2. Much better detail by a country mile
3. Better paint
4. Runs better
5. Pulls better
6. Lighting years ahead of Overland
7. Has authentic sounds. OMI no sound unless u add it
8. Much nicer box and packaging

It makes the OMI brass worth 50% less easily. Why even buy it?

Bruce

gandydancer4 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have one simple question: Is the Scale Trains
> Big Blow BETTER than the Overland Brass Models
> with respect to detail and operation? ? I KNOW the
> sound system is better by default. 

RetireMe Wrote:

> Where is the modeling when all the work is already
> done by the manufacturer?   We’ve been spoiled
> with superb products which has taken away from the
> modeling aspect.   Would weathering count?
>  Nah...
>
I disagree.  Weathering is a detail.  When done properly, it requires as much attention to detail as does all of the detail pieces we enjoy seeing on a model, and can take nearly as much time as adding them.

Elizabeth

Mine should arrive Monday.
Almost a shame to run it (but I will).
Phil

Thanks, Bruce. I've seen the Scale Trains model and was blown away but have really never seen a close up of the Overland's. I assume it's better in price as well. The Scale Trains Model being a full two thirds less the price of an Overland in today's Market. 

That is quite the case they come in, worthy of the model for sure! Are those MU cables magnetic?
 

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

Betsy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> RetireMe Wrote:
>
> > Where is the modeling when all the work is
> already
> > done by the manufacturer?   We’ve been
> spoiled
> > with superb products which has taken away from
> the
> > modeling aspect.   Would weathering count?
> >  Nah...
> >
> I disagree.  Weathering is a detail.  When done
> properly, it requires as much attention to detail
> as does all of the detail pieces we enjoy seeing
> on a model, and can take nearly as much time as
> adding them.
>
> Elizabeth

Weathering is the most important detail when it comes to prototype modeling.

I shot the real thing on Tuesday, 13 Sep 16 in Ogden!

Regards,
Burlington John
 

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RetireMe Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Where is the modeling when all the work is already
> done by the manufacturer?   We’ve been spoiled
> with superb products which has taken away from the
> modeling aspect.  

If you feel like this model has gipped you out of a modeling challenge, use the time you saved to kitbash or scratchbuild a UP box car or some other prototype that's not available in HO scale. I look at high quality models like this on as time savers that allow me to build a fleet while still having some time to kitbash prototype models that aren't available.

Dave