{"product_id":"in-stock-bli-8651-up-challenger-4-6-6-4-3954-black-graphite-coal-tender-no-sound-dcc-ready-n","title":"BLI 8651 UP Challenger 4-6-6-4, #3954, Black \u0026 Graphite, Coal Tender, No-Sound \/ DCC-Ready, N","description":"\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\"\u003e 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Broadway 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\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIndustry-leading Model Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eStealth Series - Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOut of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are ON with track power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eModel comes with 8 ohm speaker installed for easy installation of DCC\/Sound decoder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePrecision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation\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 One Driver for Additional Tractive Effort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePremium Caliber Painting with Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeparately Controllable Headlight and Rear Light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMany Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Ladders, Piping, Whistle, and Bell\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\"\u003e 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.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadway Limited Imports","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42945179189311,"sku":"BLI-8651","price":382.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0269\/7461\/7663\/files\/6980_UP-Coal_1-View_33b9251e-6602-4b86-91b3-107a80f9ccc8.jpg?v=1771964390","url":"https:\/\/factorydirecthobbies.com\/products\/in-stock-bli-8651-up-challenger-4-6-6-4-3954-black-graphite-coal-tender-no-sound-dcc-ready-n","provider":"Factory Direct Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}