DO NOT BUILD THIS MODEL!!!!!!!!
So far I have had two very competent builders work on mine. It does run, and it looks pretty nice. The first builder finally gave up in disgust, his final solution was to remove the gearing to the front engine, the second builder has succesfully managed to power both engines. The drive trains are terrible, the detail parts crystallize, there are NO bearings for the drivers, the current is picked up by pressure "shoes" on the inside of the driver tires (center is plastic),on ONE side, this side pressure on the sloppy drivers, was a major cause of the engine derailing. Bowser drivers were the wrong size.
I had the first builder put a Dallee sound unit in the tender, that's a plus.
So far I have about $468 dollars in it, think I can get that out of it?
The engine has been a-building for about 4 months. The second builder is finished with it and is going to deliver it to me--when, I don't know. Gosh, I hope it stays on the track.
You would be way ahead buying a Monogram Big Boy kit. These can make a very nice display model.