Call it a really really super impulsive buy, but I pre-ordered an Athearn Big-Boy 4-8-8-4 N-scale locomotive last night. While my layout is set in modern times, I’ve always wanted a fancy steam engine to run for those special excursion trips.

I had originally bought an Athearn Challenger earlier in the year, but it unfortunately suffered a mechanical linkage failure. When I saw the ad for the Big-Boy (and the same selling price as the challenger), I knew I had to give it another chance. My only concern…. that the Big Boy has enough pulling power to get up the helix on it’s own. We’ll find out soon!

Looks like I’ll have to pick up some UP passenger cars eventually to go with the engine now.