I've used Atlas metal low profile wheels sets (for IM cars) on the Athearn cars with good success FWIW.
A fine loco The Challenger is indeed quite a fine loco. It did force me to fix a few small dips in my trackwork that caused derailments. After that was done, it runs problem free. It is not my smoothest running steamer though - the Kato Mike still takes that title as perhaps it should because it a smaller and less complex loco than the Challenger. I run analog DC and this loco does have some limitations when run in analog mode. First, although I've been able to change the sound volume in analog mode, I've been unable to shut the sound off. Please don't get me wrong - Athearn has done a wonderful job with the sound - its just that it would be nice to get rid of the steam chuff once in a while. And while it is possible to run the loco through the powerpack - speed range from start to highball take place over a range of about 2.5 volts which is less than optimal but perhaps a necessary compromise resulting from a dual analog-DCC model. How does it compare to my other articulateds - a Rivarossi 2-8-8-0 and a Bachmann 2-6-6-2? The Challenger is better looking than the 2-8-8-0 and is a smoother running loco with better electrical pickup. Both are excellent pullers. Still, the Riva is a very good model- too bad they are no longer made. The Bachmann was a disaster out of the box and seized up after about 20 minutes of running (as did the warranty replacement that Bachmann sent me). However, some modest surgery turned the Bachmann into an excellent and reliable runner that is very smooth and has excellent slow-speed characteristics as well as total speed range when using analog power - better than the Challenger. Both have excellent appearance and detail. The Bachmann won't pull more than about 15-20 freight cars, far less than what the Challenger will do. Overall, I'm very happy with the Athearn Challenger, but it does have some operational drawbacks - nothing that is a fatal flaw however. And it is the only plastic n-scale articulated steamer that is currently available that runs well out of the box (at least to my experience) - a big plus.
Well I'm a modern RR person almost 100% of my motive power and rolling stock is modern. However a slight wind fall from a lender left some green in the account. So on a trip to Caboose Hobbies on Sunday their was a person that was having issues with his Challenger so I stood around while the clerk got new one (Rio Grand) to test and see if the issue was his model or the hand held. The sound and look of this beauty was just to much to resist. So there is now a bit-o steam on the CWRR and this is one great new locomotive. It helped to program it on the main but after a short program run we were of and running this adds a whole new level fun to running trains. The sound is great the programming of "other" sounds is easy, the level of detail on this one is Fantastic. So now that MRC has the sound thing started they have a new decoder the 1644/w sound for SD70MAC and AC4400CW there is going to be more money flowing out of my pockets. Steve
Thanks Steve. I used Helicon Focus Software to compile each photo.Each photo was compiled from 12 individual photo's. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=3206&entry=115 Stay cool and run steam.......
I love my UP Challenger and cannot say enough good things about it. I had it out on a small loop earlier to make sure everything worked well and my wife commented she liked it, because of the sound and also said I should "definitely keep this one". I almost fell to the floor...she's Never said that about a train item, Ever!! A lover of the trains she is not, but she entertains me with them and my ambitions towards a basement full of them. That's when I sprung it on her about maybe taking a trip to ride the Cumbres and Toltec and she said yes! A historic day indeed!! Chuck
I'm with you though it is likely to get to the point in less than 5 years that it will be cheaper to make all locos with DCC that is self switching. Sound will take a bit longer than that.
