>>1742600The Big Boys were the ultimate multi-capable locomotives. This is their claim to fame. They combine horsepower, tractive effort, and speed in a way no other locomotives do. N&W Y6s can pull more, but really struggle to crack 50 mph. C&O H-8s had more hp and speed, but much less starting ability. The Big Boys could outpull the other fast articulated locomotives, and almost start as much as the drag freight locos while outrunning them at the same time. I prefer the N&W A Class personally when it comes to mallets, but there's a reason to Big Boys are popular.
