With its high-gloss finish, Union Pacific (UP) 4014 shows off its appearance from its 2019 journey “The Great Race to Promontory” as a newly released Athearn N-scale model. This is one of two versions of UP’s 4014 produced in this 2021 release. In addition to Athearn’s Promontory edition, there’s an Excursion 4014 offering; both present the appearance of the restored 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive. Athearn’s Promontory release (ATH40140 standard DC and ATH04014 with DCC and sound) comes with an oil tender from UP 3985 with reporting marks only on rear tender face (as per 2019 configuration), freshly shopped shiny appearance, chalk marking “Big Boy” replicating the 2019 look that reproduced an Alco factory work’s name applied to the smoke box face, and a special commemorative box. Athean’s Excursion version (ATH30106 standard DC and ATH30206 with DCC and sound) includes similar features as the manufacturer’s Promontory edition Big Boy, but this Excursion release includes an in-service finish appearance.

ABOVE: This appropriately decorated box is a highlight of this N-scale Big Boy steam locomotive production from Athearn Trains.

This limited production release is sold out by Horizon Hobby/Athearn Trains. Check with your hobby dealer for availability. In addition to 2019 prototype reproductions, Athearn’s release includes UP 4002, 4004, 4005, 4006, 4011, 4012, 4017, 4018, and 4023 set up with coal tender and detailed for World War II era service, as these locomotives looked when delivered by Alco.

ABOVE: Athearn’s highly detailed N-scale 4-8-8-4 Big Boy comes fully assembled. This Promontory 4014 version includes high-gloss finish. A wood deck for the tender is a separately provided detail.

Athearn’s DCC-sound Big Boy releases include Soundtraxx Tsunami2 digital audio output and electronics for digital operation. The model includes LED lighting, with headlights and indicator number boxes featuring directional light change operation. The model includes a full cab interior with boiler backhead with printed gauges. The model comes with body-mounted McHenry knuckle couplers and many separate details, include handrails, coupler cut levers, and more.

ABOVE: A drawbar connects Athearn’s N-scale Big Boy locomotive with its tender, in addition to wiring for the electronics.

Model Railroad News thanks Jeff, Andrew, and the crew at Chicago-area Lombard Hobbies for providing assistance with this example. This model and an additional N-scale Big Boy and recent HO Athearn Genesis Big Boy will be September 2021’s cover story in MRN.

Lombard Hobbies
630-620-1084
lombardhobby.com