Just picked up the D&RGW Challenger. I think/hope I was able to get it for a good price. $299.99 (Wife thought it was outrageously expensive) I just went to pick up some scenery bits and pieces, but I had to take a look at it when I saw it. And once I found out the price, I felt like I couldn't pass it up. Got some late work to finish up and then I'll run it around my little layout (hopefully) and assess how it runs and snap some photos.
Well with a MSRP of $449.98 it looks like you did get a good deal! Tell her it was discounted 33% it that helps. They run really well and you will enjoy it. If it has the MRC decoder, you may have issues or it may run perfectly. If it has the Tsunami decoder, your heart may even skip a beat.
I bought my 4-6-6-4 Challenger (U.P. 3985) in 2007. It has and still runs very well with no issues at all. I paid $389.00 for it. Well worth the money! I hope you enjoy it. :thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:
Ran it for about 10-15 minutes, ran great! Ran pretty well, though my layout is pretty small and radius is only 315mm (about 12.5" I think). It's a quick shot, but she's looking pretty nice. First steam engine, very exciting.
She looks pretty and can pull a lot if cars! My friend runs one at trains shows on the NTrak layout with 80 cars behind it. A lot to enjoy with these locomotives.
I've got a 3985 I picked up only slightly used - the remote hadn't even had the battery put in it yet - and it has been a solid runner and puller. The electrical pickup on this thing is amazing.
I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your Challenger. I got mine when it first came out, and I love it. Fyi, I have run mine on 11" radius curves without problems.
I'm not sure of the sound card, if I have to open it up to determine if it's MRC vs Tsunami DCC decoder then I may never know... If anyone knows of another way to determine, let me know. Since it's my first sound, I'm not sure how 'good' it's supposed to be. I think it's pretty good, but we'll see once I have something to compare it to. If I get time, I'll put together a little video of it running (if anyone is interested). Have a great day! Gregory
I have been looking around for one and do not see any listed on any of the sites. I was wondering what happened to them. Who has got them?
The easy way to fett is if the is a small remote in the foam. Then it is a MRC decoder from the firtst or second run. Only the third run have the Tsunami, and there is a Tsunami card in the box and no little remote. The remote was to control the sounds when running on DC.
My LHS had the one D&RGW Challenger, but also had about others (if I recall correctly). Looks like the others available are going for around $359, except for one. Hope this helps. Gregory
Athearn 4-6-6-4 challenger Does anyone know where u can buy a Union Pacific challenger for less than $350? I have only found them for $400 thanks
Unfortunately... most of the original runs of the Athearn Challengers are sold-out... and resting comfortably in the hands of those who pre-ordered or acted quickly after their release. The ones that may be available now are on the 'secondary' market... that is... people who either need to sell them or are trying to profit from their early acquisitions. Very likely... you won't find them for under $400 right now. There is good new though... Athearn has scheduled a new run of these beauties. They should be listed on most of the larger etailers and most local hobby shops. I was wondering about the next run of these today. They were supposed to be released in late 2012... then they were pushed back in 2013... but nary a word has been said about them in several months.
They should be delivered in late July according to the latest info I found on Athearn's site. In the re-release, they have 3 UP Challenger numbers including one in gray, and it comes with dual function Tsunami sound decoder There are many retailers that are selling them but you'll have to wait for the actual delivery. Just search online...you can find more of them. John
SEVERAL of the Trainboard advertisers are selling these. I recommend you contact them; you may not save the full $, but $20-$30 is good peace of mind knowing you are buying from true enthusiasts, and you will receive excellent customer service & support in case of issues. Look at the Trainboard forum main page, you'll find advertisers there. Cheers!
