Description
The Union Pacific Challengers were a type of simple articulated 4-6-6-4 steam locomotive built by American Locomotive Company for the Union Pacific. 105 of these locomotives were built between 1936 and 1943. The Challengers were about 122 ft (37 m) long and weighed 284,800 kg. Primarily in freight service, they operated over most of the Union Pacific system. A few were assigned to passenger trains operating through mountain territory to California and Oregon. The locomotives were built specifically for UP and much of the experience gained later went into the design of the famous Big Boy.
The name Challenger was given to steam locomotives with a 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement. This means that they have four wheels in the leading pilot truck, which helps guide the locomotive into curves, two sets of six driving wheels, and finally four trailing wheels, which support the rear of the engine and its massive firebox. Each set of six driving wheels is driven by two steam cylinders. In essence, the result is two engines under one boiler. The Union Pacific Railroad sponsored development of this type to meet the need for higher speeds in main-line service. Historically, articulated locomotives had been limited to slow speeds by factors inherent in their design. The technical breakthroughs achieved with the Challenger enabled the carrier to develop the Big Boy with the same speed expectations. Speeds in excess of 60 M.P.H., while unheard-of on other railroads using articulated steam locomotives, became commonplace on the Union Pacific
Industry-Leading Features
Paragon3 Sound & Operation System FEATURING?ROLLING THUNDER(TM) with Authentic Sounds and Prototypical Operation in both DC and DCC environments
Synchronized PUFFING SMOKE with Chuff Sound
Separate whistle smoke
Variable Puffing Smoke Intensity and timing
Integral DCC Decoder with Back EMF for Industry Best Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
Precision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
Powerful High Torque Motor with Fly Wheel
Premium Caliber Painting with Authentic Paint Schemes
Prototypical Light Operation with Golden White LED Headlight, Rear Light
Lighted number boards
Lighted front marker lights
Lighted rear marker lights (red to the back and green to the sides)
Lighted cab light (with auto shut off)
Die Cast Body with Heavy Die Cast chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort
Die Cast Tender
Front coupler: option of closed pilot door, working metal coupler, plastic dummy couple
Rear coupler: working metal coupler
Separately Applied Handrails, Ladders, Whistle, and Brass Bell
Operating Cab Roof Vents
Will Operate on Code 83 and 100 rail
Recommended Minimum Radius: 18 inches
Traction tire equipped
Industry-Leading SOUND Features
Operates in DC & DCC (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
Record & Play Operation?- Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
16-bit Sample Rate?for exceptional high frequency sound clarity
Playback Whistle?for multiple whistle lengths and patterns
Choice of?3 selectable Whistles
Alternate Whistle / Horn?where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle – both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
Adjustable bell ringing interval?for faster or slower bell
Numerous user-mappable?functions with available keys
Johnson Bar or Power Reverse Sound?at Direction Change
Passenger Station Ambient Sounds- Controlled with Function Key
Freight Yard related radio chatter?- Controlled with Function Key
Lumber Yard Ambient Sounds- Controlled with Function Key
Farm related radio chatter?- Controlled with Function Key
Crew Radio Communications?- Controlled with Function Key
Maintenance Yard related radio chatter?- Controlled with Function Key
Demo Mode?for display and demonstrations
Grade Crossing Signal-Controlled with Function Key
Simple Programming?with Integral DCC Decoder
Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal When activated, stopping triggers and stop whistle toot.? When moving forward from a stopped position, toots twice.? When moving in reverse, toots three times.
Chuff sound intensity varies with load
Individually adjustable sound volumes?for most effects