Retro Review HO Athearn Genesis 4-8-8-4 Big Boy UP

In this retro review, Dan takes a look at the Athearn Genesis HO scale Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4 locomotive he purchased in 2016.

A retro review is a product review of a model that is not a recent release, and may be out of production. Examples can often be found on the used market.

Some retro review models may be modified. The only change Dan has made to this model is to install a Kadee 158 coupler on the tender.

UP’s Big Boys were the largest steam locomotives ever built, manufactured by Alco between 1941 and 1944. They remained in service until 1962, hauling freight over Union Pacific’s famed Sherman Hill in Wyoming.

Eight of these huge engines were preserved. In 2014, Union Pacific re-acquired Big Boy 4014 with the intention of restoring it to service. Five years later, in 2019, UP 4014 was steamed up and running again under its own power.

This model is a speculative version of how 4014 might look in excursion service announced by Athearn in 2015. Dan purchased the model new in 2016.

It appears that at least externally, this model is exactly the same as Athearn’s “Race to Promontory” commemorative 4014 model released in 2019.

As usual, Dan evaluates the model's packaging, prototype accuracy, paint & detail, and how well it operates and conforms to applicable standards.

There's also a RIP Track segment where Dan talks about some of the issues found with the model, and shows how to open up the tender and install a working front coupler.

If you're a fan of Union Pacific, or steam in general, be sure to check out this retro review!