Athearn Challenger with wireless control!

[Anonymous]

I'm on Athearn's e-mail list, and their recent message is copied below FYI as I don't think I've seen this news anywhere else (could be wrong!). I have no other info, price, etc., just what is below. Sounds interesting!

Bob Boudreau
Canada


"BIG NEWS REGARDING THE CHALLENGER STEAM LOCOMOTIVE

For the first time ever in HO, the Genesis Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam
Locomotive will include a wireless remote handheld unit that will
control
sound and speed in the DC mode!! And, this fantastic new feature is
included with each Genesis Challenger at no additional cost.

Additional electronic features for this unit will be:

1) State-of-the-art dual function sound decoder (operates on DCC or
conventional DC power-pack)

2) 6 Sound functions in the DC mode easily controlled by hand-held
controller

3) 12 Sound functions in the DCC mode

4) Sound and decoder compatible with NMRA DCC specifications

5) 2 or 4 Digit DCC addressing

6) 14, 28/128 Speed steps

7) Advanced consisting

8) Main-line programmable


The Genesis Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Locomotive will set a new standard
for
precision tooling, smooth running characteristics, quality sound, and
DC/DCC
ease of operation.


We are finalizing our quantities as production is getting close. If you
want one of these exquisite locomotives please place your order with
your
Genesis supplier as quickly as possible. Don't miss out!

That's it for today.

The Folks at Athearn Trains"

[decoy706]

Got mine ordered from a MR /MRC advertiser at a great price-alot less then MSRP. If nothing else it can set on the shelf for years and become a rare item as I don't think it will be rerun in the future.

[Anonymous]

Why can't they put that in everything else too?

[cacole]

One price I saw was between $650 and $700. You can get the Lionel Challenger with a QSI sound system for the same price, and it is cast metal. I think the Athearn model is going to be plastic. Wireless control is something that has not been mentioned previously, though. An interesting question is, if two people own the Athearn model and are running them on the same layout, will one operator's controller cause the other person's locomotive to respond? Except for rich people, this will probably never come up.

[CP5415]

Can you say CHA CHING$$$$$$$

Gordon

[decoy706]

$399.99 for the Challenger not much more the the new Bachman 2-6-6-2 and it should have more of the Bells and Whistles we all want in our high priced toys. Just my opinion

[Vampire]

An interesting development to be sure. Frankly I had reservations about their early control system as described on their web sight, "spiking up" or "spiking down" the throttle to trigger the whistle and other functions. The remote should give a lot more choice of sound effects, plus you won't wear out the reversing switch on your power pack as may happen with the QSI systems (I have 3 BLI's and the Lionel Veranda).

Now, if I can just win the lotto here...