MTH RailKing Challenger

[Anonymous]

Tim,

There was a review of the RailKing Challenger published in the January,1997 issue of CTT. Do you have any input on this?

Thanks,

Rodger

[Algonquin]

Hi Rodger,

I will look at the article tonight, and post an initial summary. Then let me know if you need anything further from the article.

Tim P.

[Algonquin]

Hi Rodger,

I am looking at the review. It is about two pages. I am not sure what specific information you are looking for so I will summarize the review.

The engine is nicely detailed, looks like lots of cast-in detail with add-on bell, whistle and safety valves. Cab is detailed. The only detail problem the article mentions is a seam line left on top of the boiler. The unit has twin smoke units, puts out lots of smoke. The unit has a centipede tender that looks great. The unit looks a little stubby (no lenght specified), may be due to compression for the railking line.

Drawbar pull measured 49 ounces. Each set of drives has a can motor and traction tires. Powered by a ZW, the speed range was 28.4 to 116.72 mph. Both sets of drives articulate. Not recommended for 027 since the unit has a lot of overhang in the cab area. Tested fine on 031 track with Lionel 022 switches.

The digital whistle was the worst part of the review. The article said it sounded like a cheap looped recording. The sample tested dropped off breifly in mid-hoot, resumed, and then there was an abrupt end to the tone itself.

Let me know if there was anything else you may have wanted from the article.

Tim P.



The loco and tender weight 12 pounds 8.8 onces.

[Anonymous]

Tim,

Thanks for your trouble. That helps considerably.

Regards,

Rodger

[O&Wfan]

Rodger, 

i bought a MTH Challenger when they first came out. I didn't care for the way it ran or the whistle it had. I sold   It about a year later for about $500. I'm pretty sure it cost a couple hundred more when I bought it. 

Wayne R.

[Curmudgeon]

I know a guy out west who bought one, didn't like the way it ran or sounded, had it gutted completely of electronics and a Dallee reversing unit installed. Now it's great on conventional.