{"product_id":"in-stock-bli-6980-up-challenger-4-6-6-4-3942-black-graphite-coal-tender-paragon4-sound-dc-dcc-smoke-n","title":"BLI 6980 UP Challenger 4-6-6-4, #3942, Black \u0026 Graphite, Coal Tender, Paragon4 Sound\/DC\/DCC, Smoke, N","description":"\u003ch3\u003e3D render shown.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIntroducing Broadway Limited Imports' new line of N Scale steam locomotives, the Union Pacific Late Challenger.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBetween 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmong 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBroadway Limited Imports' first production run of Challengers features the following notable characteristics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAccurate front end modeling, including an appropriate aftercooler system for each class.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAccurate modeling of the 25-C-100 and 25-C-400 tenders, tailored to match each class.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn accurately modeled oil tender specific to No. 3985, representing its excursion service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTwo models painted in attractive two-tone gray schemes that were never applied to the Big Boys in reality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne model featuring Rio Grande lettering and paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne model featuring Clinchfield lettering and paint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTwo unlettered and black painted models—one with wind wings, and one without.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach model is equipped with Broadway Limited Imports' Paragon4 Sound\/DC\/DCC sound system, complete with smoke and integral GoPack capacitors.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAdditionally, apart from the Paragon4 Sound\/DC\/DCC sound models, Broadway Limited Imports offers these locomotives as part of their Stealth series. These models, known as No-Sound \/ DCC-Ready, operate on DC straight out of the box. Alternatively, modelers can easily install their preferred DCC decoder. The front and rear lights are directional by default, and other lights are always illuminated with track power. However, certain lighting features may be dependent on the aftermarket decoder chosen by the modeler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIndustry-leading Model Features:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eParagon4 Sound \u0026amp; Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIntegral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrecision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOperating Smoke Unit with On\/Off Switch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSix Drivers and All Tender Wheels Pick-up Electricity from Track\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDie Cast Locomotive Body with Die Cast Chassis for Heavier Weight and Maximum Tractive Effort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRubber Tires on Two Drivers for Additional Tractive Effort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePremium Caliber Painting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMany Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Piping, Tender Ladders, Whistle, and Bell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrototypical Headlight and Rear Light Operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeparately Controllable Cab Light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrototypically Accurate Sounds for the Union Pacific Big Boy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOperating Microtrains-compatible Couplers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWill Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMinimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBroadway Limited Imports is proud to introduce Paragon4: The new benchmark for premium HO sound-equipped locomotives. These DC and DCC-Sound equipped locomotives feature the ALL-NEW Paragon4 sound and control system. Each Paragon4 locomotive comes with BLI's own integral DCC Decoder factory installed. Paragon4 locomotives offer Dual Mode DC and DCC operation with superb back EMF motor control, improved DC motor control, built-in capacitor pack for more reliable electrical pick-up, industry best on-board sound with Rolling Thunder functionality, Pro Lighting Mode for prototypical light control, Switcher model for precise low speed control, recordable DCC operation for automated playback, and the same excellent detail level as Broadway Limited's Paragon3 Series models.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cu data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eParagon4 Sound \u0026amp; Control System Features:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOperates in DC \u0026amp; DCC with improved DC speed control (use DCMaster for DC Sound)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBuilt-In extra capacitance to navigate imperfect track\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePro Lighting Mode offers individual control of all lights on model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSwitcher Mode for precise low speed control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecord \u0026amp; Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHigh Resolution Audio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eQuillable Horn for various whistle lengths and patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChoice of 3 selectable Horns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlternate Whistle \/ Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAdjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNumerous user-mappable functions with available keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMultiple realistic passenger and crew sounds play on command\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrade Crossing Automatic Signal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAutomatic Forward \/ Reverse Signal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrime Mover sound intensity varies with load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIndividually adjustable sound volumes for each effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e**Specifications on this page subject to change.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadway Limited Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42945178271807,"sku":"BLI-6980","price":467.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/7461\/7663\/files\/6980_UP-Coal_0080_f10b7d9b-a902-4589-986b-0e1b0932478b.jpg?v=1771964315","url":"https:\/\/factorydirecthobbies.com\/products\/in-stock-bli-6980-up-challenger-4-6-6-4-3942-black-graphite-coal-tender-paragon4-sound-dc-dcc-smoke-n","provider":"Factory Direct Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}