PREORDER BLI 8656 UP Challenger 4-6-6-4, #3985 Excursion Locomotive, Oil Tender, Black & Graphite, No-Sound / DCC-Ready, N

Pre-production sample shown in video.

Introducing Broadway Limited Imports' new line of N Scale steam locomotives, the Union Pacific Late Challenger.

Between 1936 and 1944, the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) constructed a total of 105 Challengers in five classes for the Union Pacific. These locomotives were approximately 122 ft (37 m) long and weighed 537 short tons (487 tonnes). While primarily used for freight service across the Union Pacific system, a few were also assigned to passenger trains like the Portland Rose. The design and operational experience of the Challengers played a crucial role in shaping the renowned Big Boy locomotive type, which, in turn, influenced the design of the last three orders of Challengers.

The Challengers boasted several technical breakthroughs that contributed to their success. Operating with a high boiler pressure of 280 lbf/in2, a feature typically reserved for passenger locomotives such as the FEF Series, they sported 69-inch drivers—impressive mammoth wheels typically found on passenger locomotives. Most freight engines required smaller wheels to generate the necessary torque. Surpassing speeds of 60 miles per hour, which was unprecedented for most other railroads using articulated steam locomotives, became a regular occurrence on the Union Pacific.

During Union Pacific's fourth order in 1943, ALCO built thirty-one locomotives adhering to the same specifications. However, due to the War Production Board's intervention, six completed locomotives were diverted to the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad through a lease facilitated by the War Department's Defense Plant Corporation. These locomotives, numbered 3900-3905, formed the Rio Grande's Class L-97. Later, in 1947, they were sold to the Clinchfield Railroad and renumbered as 670–675, becoming the Clinchfield's Class E-3. Unfortunately, these six Challengers were eventually retired in 1953.

Among the surviving Challengers, Union Pacific No. 3985 stands out. Restored by the Union Pacific in 1981, it operated in excursion service as part of the heritage fleet program. Recently, it was donated to the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America in 2022, where it is currently undergoing a second restoration. The only other surviving Challenger, UP No. 3977, is on display in North Platte, Nebraska.

Broadway Limited Imports' first production run of Challengers features the following notable characteristics:

• Accurate front end modeling, including an appropriate aftercooler system for each class.
• Accurate modeling of the 25-C-100 and 25-C-400 tenders, tailored to match each class.
• An accurately modeled oil tender specific to No. 3985, representing its excursion service.
• Two models painted in attractive two-tone gray schemes that were never applied to the Big Boys in reality.
• One model featuring Rio Grande lettering and paint.
• One model featuring Clinchfield lettering and paint.
• Two unlettered and black painted models—one with wind wings, and one without.

In addition to the Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC sound models, we are also offering these locomotives as part of our Stealth series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice.  Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always illuminated with track power.  Additionally, some lighting may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs.  See below for additional model features.

 

Industry-leading Model Features:

• Stealth Series - Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No sound.
• Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are ON with track power.
• Model comes with 8 ohm speaker installed for easy installation of DCC/Sound decoder.
• Precision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
• Die Cast Locomotive Body with Die Cast Chassis for Heavier Weight and Maximum Tractive Effort
• Rubber Tires on One Driver for Additional Tractive Effort
• Premium Caliber Painting with Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers
• Separately Controllable Headlight and Rear Light
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Ladders, Piping, Whistle, and Bell
• Operating Microtrains-compatible Couplers
• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail
• Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches

Broadway Limited Imports is proud to re-introduce our Stealth Series. Our Stealth Series provides customers with the ability to purchase highly detailed steam and diesel locomotives at a lower price. Stealth Series models are DCC-Ready with a standard MTC21 pin on the DC Motherboard.