Aster Hobby Announces the Return of an American Legend

Union Pacific Big Boy – 55th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating 250 Years of America • 150 Years of Union Pacific • 55 Years of Aster Hobby

Aster Hobby is proud to announce its intention to produce one of the most iconic steam locomotives ever built—the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy—in 1:32 Scale (Gauge One) Live Steam.

This historic project commemorates three remarkable milestones:

• 250th Anniversary of the United States of America

• 150th Anniversary of Union Pacific Railroad

• 55 Years of Aster Hobby

For more than five decades, Aster Hobby has earned an international reputation for producing museum-quality live steam locomotives that combine precision engineering, exceptional craftsmanship, and historical authenticity.

Designed and manufactured in Japan, the Aster Big Boy will continue the company's tradition of producing the world's most respected live steam locomotives for discerning collectors and operators alike.

The Union Pacific Big Boy represents the pinnacle of American steam locomotive engineering and remains one of the most recognizable steam locomotives ever constructed. As Union Pacific celebrates 150 years of innovation and railroad excellence, Aster believes there is no more fitting locomotive to honor this milestone than the legendary Big Boy.

This announcement marks Aster Hobby's commitment to move forward with this exciting project. Development is currently underway, with additional information—including final specifications, pricing, production quantity, available road numbers, and delivery schedule—to be released as the project progresses.

In addition to No. 4014, Aster intends to offer additional Union Pacific Big Boy road numbers based upon customer demand, allowing collectors to choose the locomotive that best reflects their personal interests or historical significance.

Production is expected to be limited, with reservations accepted in the order deposits are received. Collectors are encouraged to reserve early to ensure the best opportunity to obtain this landmark model.

We believe the Aster Big Boy will become one of the most ambitious and significant live steam projects ever undertaken by the company—a fitting tribute to American railroad history, the enduring legacy of Union Pacific, and the worldwide community of live steam enthusiasts who have supported Aster Hobby for the past 55 years.

We look forward to sharing the development of this extraordinary locomotive with collectors around the world.

Aster Hobby

"The World's Finest Live Steam Models Since 1971."

Specifications

• Model: Union Pacific Big Boy

• Prototype: Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy"

• Scale: 1:32 (Gauge One)

• Gauge: 45 mm (Gauge One)

• Power: Live Steam

• Manufacturer: Aster Hobby

• Country of Manufacture: Japan

• Estimated Delivery: 2028

• Price: To Be Announced

Priority Reservation

Collectors wishing to reserve an Aster Union Pacific Big Boy may secure a Priority Reservation with a fully refundable US$100 deposit.

Your Priority Reservation will:

• Guarantee the opportunity to purchase the model during the exclusive pre-sale period.

• Secure the announced pre-sale pricing.

• Establish your reservation priority based on the order deposits are received.

• Remain fully refundable at any time before final purchase.

Complete project details—including final specifications, available road numbers, production quantity, pricing, and delivery schedule—will be announced as development continues.

Reserve with confidence knowing your deposit is fully refundable, allowing you to secure your place with no obligation should you later decide not to proceed. (Minus transaction fees)

Reserve Through an Authorized Aster Dealer

Reserve your Aster Union Pacific Big Boy – 55th Anniversary Edition today through The Train Department, an Authorized Aster Hobby Dealer.

By placing your refundable reservation today, you'll receive:

• Priority reservation status.

• Access to exclusive pre-sale pricing.

• Project updates throughout development.

• The opportunity to select your preferred road number (subject to availability).

This promises to be one of the most significant live steam locomotives Aster Hobby has ever produced. We invite collectors around the world to join us in celebrating this extraordinary tribute to American railroad history.