The Athearn N Scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger, is the culmination of the art of design and tooling, integrating the latest innovations in electronic technology. The N Scale Challenger model has been developed from the outset as the finest three dimensional operating miniature representation of the prototype available.
Giving life to all the details are authentic sounds that are channeled through a factory installed DCC and soundboard with speakers. The DCC decoder automatically senses what type of power supply is in use (conventional DC or NMRA compliant DC) and adapts its functions. The modeler doesn’t have to do a thing. Era: 1940s - 1980s.

Features include:
• New tooling
• Fully assembled
• Razor-sharp printing and painting
• MicroTrains® couplers installed
• Dual Function Decoder with SOUND and handheld remote control
• Prototype specific details
• Boiler backhead with full details.
• Individually applied detail parts such as piping, valves, generators, etc.
• Blackened metal RP25 wheels.
• Eccentric cranks operating on both sides in correct direction.
• Front and rear engines (cylinders and coupled drive wheel sets), both pivot for 9-3/4" recommended min. radius.
• Pilot has open/closed positions. Coupler pocket can be inserted to mount coupler after removal of dummy coupler.
• Headlights and tender lighting feature directional light change.
• Five-pole, skewed armature motor with two flywheels for very smooth running.
• Cab hatches can be either closed or open.
• Undecorated versions include all parts for that prototype.
• Factory installed DCC sound board with speaker, mounted in the tender.
• DCC decoder automatically senses the power supply type (either DC or NMRA compliant DCC system).
• Hand held remote control unit for DC operation.

March 30, 2007

Free N Challenger Wheel Set Exchange Program Announced
Based on feedback from customers running the new N scale Challenger loco on code 55 track, Athearn will exchange the non-driver wheel sets for new wheel sets with smaller flanges designed to run on code 55 track. Customers must remove four wheel sets on the loco (two on the lead truck, two on the trailing truck) and all seven wheel sets on the tender, and return them to the following address:

Athearn N Challenger Wheel Set Exchange
1550 Glenn Curtiss Street
Carson, CA 90746

A replacement set of wheels will be send postpaid to replace the wheels returned.

Note: Locomotives should not be returned and drive wheels should not be removed or returned.

The new wheel sets will be available in June, so wheel sets should not be returned until replacements are available.

The Folks at Athearn