Athearn Genesis UP 4-8-8-4 Big Boy Locomotive 4024
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PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION piping, valves, generator, steps, air pump, air tanks, reverser and Union Pacific wanted something that could make the same speeds as the coupler lift bar Challengers but could carry the entire 4,290-ton train over the Wasatch * Front coupler pocket can be inserted to mount operating coupler Mountains without a helper. The easiest solution was to scale up the * Dual speakers for great sound quality successful Challenger design by adding another pair of drivers to each half * Upgraded headlight lighting with brighter LED of the locomotive, thus making a 4-8-8-4. * Improved loco-to-tender connection harness for increased durability and serviceability In 1941, UP placed an order for 20 4-8-8-4's, numbered 4000 through 4019, * Minimum recommended radius: 22" with the American Locomotive Works. According to legend, an unidentified machinist at the ALCO plant is responsible for the name "Big Boy", having scrawled the name in chalk on a partially completed locomotive. The Big Boys were exactly what the railroad wanted. They were coal burners with 68-inch drivers, 135,375 pounds of tractive effort and 6,000 horsepower. They started service on the line from Ogden to Green River, Wyoming and their operating range soon increased to cover the line all the way to Cheyenne. Traffic during WWII resulted in five more Big Boys, numbered 4020 through 4024, being built in 1944. These versions were slightly heavier than the original order due to wartime materials restrictions. Despite the influx of diesel locomotives following WWII, the Big Boys and Challengers remained the prime power on the Overland Route. They also say service as helpers, leading gas turbines and diesels over Sherman Hill. They remained active through the 1950s and weren't retired until the early 1960s. By then, the first 20 units had been run well over one million miles. PRIMED FOR GRIME LEGENDARY LIVERIES What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to "What if?" Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, proto- PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE freelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, * Duplicated look and feel of "In Service" equipment canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary * Faded base colors matched to the prototype Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and * Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust answer the ultimate railroad question of: "What if?" PRIMED FOR GRIME $699.99 w/o SOUND | $799.99 w/ SOUND $689.99 w/o SOUND | $789.99 w/ SOUND Items listed are subject to cancellation if pre-order minimum production quantities are not met. These items are subject to Horizon's MAP policy VISIT Your Local Retailer Orders Due: 01.24.25 CLICK Athearn.com ETA: AUGUST 2026 CALL 1.800.338.4639
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Initial Source: 01_GENHO_Big_Boy_122724.pdf