Revell 02165 Big Boy Locomotive

This model has a lot of detail work. Wheel assemblies that will turn if done correctly. There are linkage and wheel links that require a lot of attention. Painting is not a big issue. An older guy like me didn't have enough patience but it is turning out pretty good. If you buy, just don't expect a fast job if you want a good model when done.

Best model kit ive ever put together. A little dated tho compared to some kits.

Great looking model, minus a few details as noted in previous reviews. I'm an HO train enthusiast and bought this because I didn't want to spend $500 for a working model. It looks great on the tracks of my 12' x 6' layout. The model went together well. Most of the instructions were accurate (the tender's linkage pin is depicted upside down in figures 38 and 40). To begin, I shot every part with flat black plastic spray paint. I painted the wheel rims, firebox, smoke box, headlight, linkage rods, cosmetic lines, and a couple handrails with metallic silver. I painted the bell with metallic gold. I painted the control valves and tender taillight red. Final assembly went fast using quick setting thick CA. Finally, I applied the decals. In closing, this is a great looking, easy to assemble display model.

First this model kit was marketed for Europe. Instructions are in 6 languages and English is not primary. The 8 paint colors called out in the instructions will have to be researched and cross referenced to available US colors. Not paint codes included. Not for a beginner. Revell ranks it a skill level 3, it's more like a 4. Painting alone requires time on the myriad of parts. A good challenging kit and great display. Only downside was that the model was shipped in a cardboard box from the UK. It was left out in rain/water(?) along the way, very wet when I got it, and the outer box was almost completely dissolved when I received it. The original Revell box and instructions inside were soaked as well but salvageable after drying. Model kit itself in a large plastic bag (not sealed). Somehow decal sheet survived outside of plastic bag.

I just received this model and having put a Con Cor(Desktop) model (no longer in production)of this together I note that it is the same model by both manufacturers. As Revell/Monogram were once unified I reason this is why the Monogram model is the same also. They are all well made and can be snap fit although I suggest you glue them in place or over the years small parts are going to separate.

For less than $30, this is a pretty alright kit. It's fun to build, and with some paint, you can get it to look pretty good. You also have your choice of two running numbers. I have several issues with this kit, though. First, poor molding. Some of the pieces don't fit properly. There are visible gaps and seams in a few places on my model, and filing can only do so much to help. Also, the handrails running along the boiler are part of the molding, meaning there's plastic between the rails and the boiler where there should be air. Second, missing parts. In my glamor shots, I only show my model from the right side. That's because one of the pilot wheels was missing out of the box. You can get replacement parts directly from Revell, but they weren't shipping to the US due to Covid, last I checked. One more thing. The listing claims that the model has "movable wheels." This is true, but not on the driving wheels. You aren't going to be rolling this thing around. If you want an inexpensive project, go for it. I definitely enjoyed building this kit. But you can also do a lot better if you care about how your Big Boy looks.

Fun

This train is great! The instructions are easy to follow and I was able to build it within 4 hours! The details are amazing! Very realistic! Fast shipping too! Thank you!

Revell kalitesi guzel bir kit iyi paketleme zamaninda teslimat

A mercadoria foi entregue dentro do prazo, mas não teve a embalagem adequada para o transporte e a caixa do modelo chegou completamente amassada.

Love this model kit! Instructions are clear...ish, every part is numbered (crap, another tiny one fell off, what number was it?!? 😉😂😂) and the build is not easy/simple, it is a challenge which is what I wanted. 1 note, a listed colour on box says "Steek" but they meant "Steel" you don't have to do any knitting. Nice to learn the history behind her too.

Montage relativement facile si on suit bien les instructions, jolie maquette qui pour le prix rend vraiment bien.

Kit completed and a pleasure to build, instructions are old school but they do what they need to do well, there is a lot of scope for modification and the obvious one is to free up the piping that runs the trains length, this piping is as you can see is all one mould but really for the price you wouldn’t expect it not to be, after a little time, well a lot of time to be honest you can free it up. Mine when the time comes will look like the box art, rust and generally abused as the were and generally still are. The kit is very well moulded and little flash on the parts, detail is also very well defined on the moulds. Basically for the price this kit is a steal, I would prefer the scale to be 1/24 scale to give an idea how big these trains really are. That said you wouldn’t be able to store it . Enjoy it. Finished model puctured, I bought a strip of track and gravel rather than use the kits track.