Big Boy from Minitrix

[keeper]

The new Big Boy from Minitrix is now available.
What do you think of it from the images which can be found here?

https://www.dm-toys.de/en/product-details/Minitrix_16990.html

[dem34]

I think some sleuthing done a while ago found that its made in the same factory as BLI. So essentially identical just with a Rapido coupler and non Paragon electronics.

[thomasjmdavis]

I think some sleuthing done a while ago found that its made in the same factory as BLI. So essentially identical just with a Rapido coupler and non Paragon electronics.

Any idea whose electronics are in the Minitrix? 

Personally, if companies are going to release steam locos, I would much prefer they opt for something other than a Big Boy or yet another repeat of USRA Pacifics/Mikes.  Big Boys are great for the folks modeling the UP hauling stuff over the mountains circa 1950..., but for the rest of us, not so much.  And even those guys hauling long freights over the mountains need a 2-10-2 (and probably more than one).

[keeper]

I think some sleuthing done a while ago found that its made in the same factory as BLI. So essentially identical just with a Rapido coupler and non Paragon electronics.

Now that you mention that, you are right. I have forgotten that.

[robert3985]

I think some sleuthing done a while ago found that its made in the same factory as BLI. So essentially identical just with a Rapido coupler and non Paragon electronics.

Yup.  I did some "sluething" and concluded it looked identical to BLI's offering.  I like my BLI Big Boy a lot, even though I'm not crazy about some of the grabs being just tabs instead of being separate wire grabs.  I'll be cutting the tabs off and replacing them with wire grabs someday.

Although not what I would do, the smokebox and firebox on the Minitrix BB appears to be more prototypically colored than the darker shade of the BLI model.  SP Lettering Grey is the correct color for those who might be interested.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[delamaize]

Oh Boy. Another Big Boy. Exactly what we didn't need. 

[wes_sutton]

Oh Boy. Another Big Boy. Exactly what we didn't need. 

I would assume it is targetted at the European market rather than the US.
We are getting tired of paying the ridiculous mailing charges from the US

[keeper]

I would assume it is targetted at the European market rather than the US.
We are getting tired of paying the ridiculous mailing charges from the US

I would think so as well because it has the Rapido style coupler. Not sure how easy or not a change to an US coupler would be.

[Jimbo]

Personally, if companies are going to release steam locos, I would much prefer they opt for something other than a Big Boy or yet another repeat of USRA Pacifics/Mikes.  Big Boys are great for the folks modeling the UP hauling stuff over the mountains circa 1950..., but for the rest of us, not so much.  And even those guys hauling long freights over the mountains need a 2-10-2 (and probably more than one).

Or a high-quality steam switcher.  I think a bigger gap exists there.

Problem is, people will pay top $$ for a large loco, but despite the complexity of small steamers being basically the same as (non-articulated) large steam, the manufacturing costs probably aren’t much different.  Who out there would pay the same for an 0-6-0 of the same quality of a BLI Pacific?  (I mean, besides me?)

Couple that with the models being released are ones that are “alive” even today, and manufacturers have a larger customer base, as even modern-era modelers can justify their purchase.  Small steam switchers?  Not so much.  (Which is why the 2-10-2 you - and I - want isn’t likely to be released anytime soon.  (And after reading @spookshow review, I don’t want the Bachmann one.))

So - lower margins + smaller customer base = low likelihood of small switcher.  The Bachmann 0-6-0 I guess remains the only game in town.

Jim

[wes_sutton]

Or a high-quality steam switcher.  I think a bigger gap exists there.

Problem is, people will pay top $$ for a large loco, but despite the complexity of small steamers being basically the same as (non-articulated) large steam, the manufacturing costs probably aren’t much different.  Who out there would pay the same for an 0-6-0 of the same quality of a BLI Pacific?  (I mean, besides me?)

Couple that with the models being released are ones that are “alive” even today, and manufacturers have a larger customer base, as even modern-era modelers can justify their purchase.  Small steam switchers?  Not so much.  (Which is why the 2-10-2 you - and I - want isn’t likely to be released anytime soon.  (And after reading @spookshow review, I don’t want the Bachmann one.))

So - lower margins + smaller customer base = low likelihood of small switcher.  The Bachmann 0-6-0 I guess remains the only game in town.

Jim

Bachmann's Graham Farish range in the UK turns out British protoype six coupled steam for MSRP USD215-250 (DCC ready, non sound).

With discounts around USD180-215.

[thomasjmdavis]

Also note, in diesels, the cost of a switcher is not much less than the cost of highly detailed modern road loco. For instance-

Kato new release NW2 MSRP- $135 DC, $235 DCC, $335 DCw/Sound   (the "DC" models are DCC ready, just not installed)

Kato new release SD8oMAC MSRP- $155 DC, $255 DCC, $355 DCCw/Sound

So, a $20 difference between a high powered, big diesel with a complicated shell, and a switcher from the 1940s.  But... somebody is buying those switchers.  I am sure that BLI or Kato could produce a steam switcher for $20 less than a Big-Boy with its two driver sets. 

[peteski]

I suspect the cost is not the main reason. The manufacturers likely think smaller locos will not sell nearly as well as the iconic Big-Boys.

[Englewood]

I'm one of those that has a roundhouse full of big steam (and turbine) power that has absolutely nothing to do with my modeling era. A small steam loco for switching? Boooring! A PRR S1 steamer? What!?!? Put me down for two!!! A Santa Fe 4-8-4? Yes, please!  I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
I do feel for you guys who don't have the locos you need for your layouts. I was embarrassed to have a mid 90's SP layout without AC4400CWs until they were finally made earlier this year.

[Doug G.]

I'm one of those that has a roundhouse full of big steam (and turbine) power that has absolutely nothing to do with my modeling era. A small steam loco for switching? Boooring! A PRR S1 steamer? What!?!? Put me down for two!!! A Santa Fe 4-8-4? Yes, please!  I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
I do feel for you guys who don't have the locos you need for your layouts. I was embarrassed to have a mid 90's SP layout without AC4400CWs until they were finally made earlier this year.

Speaking as another who doesn't fret about whether something "fits my era" or not and buy what I like, you are not alone. We are, after all, still playing with model trains.

Doug

[up1950s]

I think manufacturers find it easier to deal with longer steam details and articulation than shorter and fewer wheels causing pick up failures at times .  Maybe instead of all the attention to smoke and sound they could design a capacitor that looks like a tender ? I am not hearing enough about those " run-whatever " caps . N needs reliable 0-6-0's .