Introduction

Athearn Genesis G1015 HO Scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger w/Coal Tender Union Pacific UP 3938 DC

ALCO constructed the first 4-6-6-4 locomotives in the world, numbered 3900 to 3914, for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1936. These huge engines were named the Challenger Simple Articulated, or CSA-1, class. The railroad received 25 near copies, classified as CSA-2, the following year.

Unlike compound Mallet engines that crawled along with drag freights, the Challengers had two sets of high- pressure cylinders and could safely reach passenger train speeds. The mammoth locomotives also had a heavy-duty starting tractive effort of 97,400 pounds.

Originally constructed to haul fast freight up the famous Wasatch grade, the CSA-1 and -2 Challengers would hold a variety of assignments over their long careers- including passenger service. Depending upon their operating territory, they burned either coal or oil, and some locos were converted back- and-forth several times.

FEATURES:

• Illuminated number boards and headlights
• Headlight turns off in reverse
• Illuminated directional back-up light in the tender
• Correctly operating eccentric cranks
• Adjustable top cab vent and cab windows
• Pivoting front and rear engines for negotiating 18 radius curves
• Current pick-up on all driver and wheels
• Boiler backhead with full details and printed gauges
• Synchronized chuff, whistle, bell, blow-down, air compressor, dyno and pop-off valve sounds
• User-controlled whistle, short whistle, bell, squeal, coupler crash, injector, water stop and light dimmer
• Individually-applied detail parts, including brass-painted bell and whistle, piping, valves, generator, steps, air pump, air tanks, reverser and coupler lift bar
• Front coupler pocket can be inserted to mount operating coupler
• Dual cube speakers for great sound quality
• Upgraded headlight lighting with brighter LED
• Improved loco-to-tender connection harness for increased durability and serviceability
• Minimum recommended radius: 22

SPECIFICATIONS:

• DCC: Ready/21-Pin NEM
• Lighted: LED
• Sound: Ready
• Minimum Radius: 22″ (559 mm)
• Reporting Mark: UP
• Sub Brand: ATHEARN
• Full Road Name: Union Pacific
• Scale: HO
• Wheel Configuration: 4-6-6-4
• Era: 1911-1940
• Prototype Manufacturer: American Locomotive Company (ALCO)