Genesis Challenger thoughts??

[Anonymous]

Alrighty now, I know that some of you out there have your Challengers by now. You must have some opinions at this point. I have mine. Superbly crafted and detailed. Beautiful model suitable for anyone's display. Runs smoothly, but a little tight yet. Sound, well, I would like to hear other's opinions on the sound before sounding off myself. I have quite a few Broadway Limiteds and a Lionel with QSI as a standard of comparison. The Genesis Challenger has an MRC sound decoder. A pity...

[cacole]

Thanks for the warning about the Athearn Challenger's sound system. My big question is, how does it sound compared to QSI systems used by Broadway Limited. et.al. You indicated that you have several Broadway Limited locomotives, so I am really interested in hearing your evaluation of the Athearn Challenger's sound compared to them.

[Anonymous]

I hate to force a ru***o-judgement at this early stage of the game. I find the sound system flat, brassy and lacking in richness compared to the QSI systems in the BLI and Lionel systems. I am disappointed in the sound. Despite the dual speakers, it lacks any sense of high fidelity and tonal quality. The best way to describe it is that is sounds 2D compared to the BLI's 3D, if you know what I mean. This model deserves so much better. It is clearly Best-in-Class as far as detail and finish is concerned when placed side-by-side with my BLI N&W 2-6-6-4, which is hardly a slouch. I also have a LifeLike Heritage P2K N&W 2-8-8-2, which has been my standard-setter for non-brass finely detailed HO. While the P2K loco has slighly more detail than the Genesis Challenger, I find the the Athearn product's details less plasticky and more believable. The new Challenger is truly a visual masterstroke. I guess I expected more from the sound system. My past experience with MRC sound products is consistent with the sound on this new loco. I wi***hey had just gone with QSI. It would have been perfect.

[Anonymous]

I would like to add a few thoughts because I believe this new Genesis to be a wonderful performer, despite my earlier comments regarding the sound effects, which are, in many cases, not that important in comparison to the actual running characteristics. This is a smooth performer. It pulls smoothly from a dead stop even with a 30+ freight car consist on a slight grade. This is an order of magnitude better than my earlier Genesis steamers and roughly on par with my BLI 2-6-6-4, though it appears to track better and is more curve-tolerant than the BLI. That is less of an indictment against the similar BLI, than the crappy track conditions on parts of my layout. I can find no operational faults with the new Genesis Challenger. Quite simply, it runs as good as it looks, even though all drivers are flanged and contact the rail. Cylinder hardware and side rods are finely sculpted and are a marvel to watch in motion. They, too, are smoothly operating with a minimum of slop and loose clearances. There is no squeaking running gear, which has been the bane of some of my recent BLI locos. I am not particularly fond of the yellow-gold lighting which is reminiscent of the yellow LED lighting on N Scale locos a generation back. A yellowish white, similar to the latest BLI LED lighting would have been a better choice, and more akin to the prototype. Other sound-related items of note include a lack of cylinder-phasing that is part of the QSI multi-cylinder sound package. There is also occasional drop-out of the steam sounds at low speeds despite the fact that the locomotive is still moving, even on clean track. Though momentary, it is noticeable at times. Despite the noted shortcomings of the sound system, which is strictly opinion on my part, I believe that this is a very fine piece and belongs on your layout if you're so inclined to UP, Rio Grande, or Clinchfield big steam.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mkroeker

I, I believe that this is a very fine piece and belongs on your layout if you're so inclined to UP, Rio Grande, or Clinchfield big steam.

I take that to also mean this model is worthy of your consideration to buy it again.
Any other owners out there share this recommendation.

I bot a second Berk & a second FEF-3. Once I receive my missing side rod screw, then I fire
her up and make a judgement.
My hearing is no good, so no big loss. It's my version that counts.

[cspmo]

Thinks for the information, was going to get one, but now I don"t think so. Unless they
put QSI system in there second run.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cspmo

Thinks for the information, was going to get one, but now I don"t think so. Unless they
put QSI system in there second run.

AAArrrgh!!! Now I don't know which to buy...the Athearn with good running and looks or the Lionel with superb sound and questionable running qualities....

I have a BLI 3751 and love it to death....
I saw UP#3985 only 3 feet away from me (see pic)

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2004022311561022127.jpg&order=byposter&page=6&key=Minuteman

coming into Topeka KS on the way to the Superbowl so I want the same "Fantrip" version...but is the sound REALLY that messed up on the Athearn?
The Lionel at least had the sounds of both engines running...

I am still leaning on Athearn if I can upgrade the decoder to a real 3985 sound chip and still have it function under DC.....

What do you all think. Athearn or Lionel??

Do you think if we as modellers gripe at Athearn about the cheap MRC sound they will upgrade the units to QSI???

[Anonymous]

The sound is not "messed up". But in my opinion, and this is strictly an opinion based on having two of them running side by side, the MRC sound decoder is not up to the elevated standard that we've been spoiled by with the QSI chip. Compared to having no sound, the MRC sound would have to be considered pretty darn nice. Compared to QSI, it's just not quite up to the same level. Considering the overall quality of the engine, I would certainly buy another one, and I'm looking at that right now. The sound system's shortcomings should not deter a dedicated Challenger fan from acquiring this fine locomotive. I doubt if Athearn will change horses and supply it with QSI sound because of contractual agreements. The other eventuality could be a tweaked and improved sound decoder from MRC that could level the playing field with QSI. Who knows? The engine is still capable of making good steam sounds. The bell is good. The whistle has one sound with no Doppler option. It is loud and is very on-off with no fade. This is a very worthy engine, otherwise. I would buy it again and probably will.

[Anonymous]

Mk
Is your testing based on DCC function or the DC?

[Anonymous]

locomotive3:

I have run it both ways. Even in conventional DC, it is a smooth performer.

[Anonymous]

Went and tested mine at my LHS and it ran just as smooth as my trix bigboy and the sound was okay.

[Anonymous]

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