Athearn Genesis - HO Scale - 4-6-6-4 Original Challenger SoundTraxx Tsunami2 Sound & DCC- Union Pacific (UP) - #3813 - Black, Gray Smokebox (SKU 141-97238)
Available On: January 1, 2018
PROTOTYPE INFO:
The Union Pacific Challengers were a type of simple articulated 4-6-6-4 steam locomotive built by American Locomotive Company for the Union Pacific Railroad. 105 of these locomotives were built between 1936 and 1943. The Challengers were nearly 122 ft (37 m) long and weighed 284,800 kg. They operated over most of the Union Pacific system, primarily in freight service, but a few were assigned to passenger trains operating through mountain territory to California and Oregon. The locomotives were built specifically for Union Pacific and much of the experience gained later went into the design of the “Big Boy”.
The name “Challenger” was given to steam locomotives with a 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement. This means that they have four wheels in the leading pilot truck, which helps guide the locomotive into curves, two sets of six driving wheels, and finally four trailing wheels, which support the rear of the engine and its massive firebox. Each set of six driving wheels is driven by two steam cylinders. In essence, the result is two engines under one boiler. The Union Pacific Railroad sponsored development of this type to meet the need for higher speeds in main-line service. Historically, articulated locomotives had been limited to slow speeds by factors inherent in their design. The technical breakthroughs achieved with the Challenger enabled the carrier to develop the Big Boy with the same speed expectations. Speeds in excess of 60 M.P.H., while unheard-of on other railroads using articulated steam locomotives, became commonplace on the Union Pacific.
The 105 were divided into five orders, which can be put into two groups: the first two orders of “original” also known as “light” Challengers, and the final three of “heavy” Challengers. The “Heavy” Challengers are currently available in stock.
Key Features
Boiler backhead with printed manual controls
Individually applied piping, valves, generators, etc.
Correctly operating eccentric cranks
Adjustable cab roof vent
Headlights and number boards with directional light change
Tender light
Genesis Five pole, skewed armature motor with two flywheels
Pivoting front and rear engines for negotiating 18" radius curves
Current pick-up on all driver and tender wheels
8-pin connector plug between loco and tender
ROAD NUMBER SPECIFIC FEATURES:
ORIGINAL CHALLENGER SPOTTING FEATURES:
All road numbers
Spark arrestors
Coal and oil tender versions
Three different numbering systems: 3700, 3800, 3900
Single and twin stack versions
Large and small dome versions
Early and Late style lettering schemes
With coal rack or without coal rack
Two steam pipe versions
There are five different pilots:
Boiler Tube with Widely Spaced Handrails
Steel Bars with Narrowly Spaced Handrails
Cast
Steel Bars with Wide Shield
Footboard Pilot
#3901:
Coal Tender
CSA-1 Class
Cast Pilot
#3813:
Oil Tender
Double Smoke Stack
CSA-1 Class
Steel Bars with Narrowly Spaced Handrails Pilot
#3802:
Coal Tender w/ Rack
CSA-1 Class
Large dome version
Cast Pilot
#3923:
Coal Tender
CSA-2 Class
Boiler Tube with Widely Spaced Handrails
#3827:
Oil Tender
CSA-2 Class
Footboard Pilot
#3707:
Coal Tender w/ Rack
CSA-1 Class
Large dome version
Cast Pilot
#3937:
Oil Tender
CSA-2 Class
Steel Bars with Wide Shield Pilot
#3710:
Coal Tender w/ Rack
Double Smoke Stack
CSA-1 Class
Cast Pilot
SOUND EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE:
Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Premium sound
Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
Engine, whistle, and bell sounds work in DC
All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
Excellent Slow speed control
Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
CV chart included in the box
Sold out at Manufacturer
Sold out at Manufacturer means we have inventory but we cannot buy more from our suppliers.