Athearn Genesis Challenger

[countershot]

I ahve orderd the darn thing and now i cant wait

[countershot]

OH ok i think the challenger only has F1 to F8 sounds any way. does any body have a photo of the little controll thing that cames with the challenger?

[Anonymous]

The Zephyr can work sound functions F0-F8. I think you might have to get a different throttle if you want to control more.

The Zephyr has the capibilities to program 9999 locomotives ( I think), but I think you can only run about 10 at a time.

[countershot]

How many loco's can the Digitrax Zephyr operate and can it work all the sounds?

[Fergmiester]

I have the Digitrax Super Empire Builder. A great system, which can be upgraded and expanded upon easily.

Before you plunge into this I would suggest you sit down and ask yourself "what do I want?". If you don't need it then why spend big bucks on it.

I would suggest looking at Prodigy advanced, Digitrax, Lenz. I could be wrong but if you plan to expand Atlas Commander may be limiting.

Do your research as their is nothing worse then getting something that won't meet your needs and is antiquated before you plug it in.

Tony's Train Exchange and Loys Toys have excellent websites for Q&A's.

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

I think Digitrax would be the best bet--esp for sound like on BLI and the new Athearn. I have the first Prodigy and its cheap! It does work, but yes, MRC has no upgrade path for this system! If I understand correctly, Digitrax can be upgraded just by plugging a new wares into the network--so you have major upgrade potential.

[Bikerdad]

Good DCC for a beginner, given that you'll undoubtedly want to use the sound functions of your Challenger, would be the Digitrax Zephyr, Atlas Commander, or Lenz. Of the three, the Zephyr is probably the best value. 'Net priced at about $160. The other systems are also good systems, but more expensive. I'd avoid the Prodigy and Prodigy Advance. The Advanced is good, but the combination of the cost and MRC's past history (twice now) of putting out dead-end DCC systems is not encouraging. The Bachmann, at this point, doesn't (tmk) support very many functions, which cripples the sound capability. If I'm wrong about that (and I'm sure somebody will correct me if I am), then for a beginner using it for a limited number of locos with a clear sense of its limitations, the Bachmann would be your best deal. Think of it as a "learner's system", to be superseded when you graduate to a more sophisticated system.

[countershot]

i am wondering you know what would be a good DCC for a beginer in DCC?

[countershot]

alright i have orderd #3943 thank you for all your info.[:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

Dear Countershot

Don't be impatient as this loco is well worth the wait!

Regards
Fergie

ConCur!

[Fergmiester]

They are sweet! Had the Clichfield version and the Allegheny working in tandem tonight and realised I needed a sound unit in the Allegheny. That's the problem with sound once you've heard it.....

Fergie

[Anonymous]

Go for it! I'm getting the chance to try one out and I absolutely love it!

[Fergmiester]

Dear Countershot

Let me be the first to eat humble pie! Don't be impatient as this loco is well worth the wait! I was 16 when I bought my first Loco, which was a 4-8-8-4 (money saved from a summer job). I waited seven months and it was well worth the wait. Waiting makes it all worth the while believe me! Take your time and work on the scenery so that when your Loco does come it will look right at home!

Regards
Fergie

[countershot]

does any body know were i can get #3943 sooner than june for the same price or about. i am getting from http://www.internettrains.com/atgehoscstlo.html and they can not send it until june.
FYI my name is Ben i am 13 and I have 2 4x8 sheets layouts and this is my first engine over $150 and i have basicly druled on the one at the one at the store, that one is $450 dollers. Out of my price rang. just for your info. Right now my loyout is bare just track for now. putting down grass now road bed next week. speeking of would you use normal sand or store bought.

[Anonymous]

In the few months it has been out, there hasn't been any reports of failure.
Also see the MR January 2005 review.
My only regret, I also bot two Berks instead of two Challengers.

[Anonymous]

The Genesis challenger will pull anything you lash it to and not even show signs of slowing down. I have only 2 complaints, the smoke, and that to control it you need to be within a yard or so of the engine. The little remote doesnt have much range. Go ahead, buy it!

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by countershot

should I get this loco? i Realy like the way it looks and sounds..
this smoke does not matter to me but it would be nice, is there any way to make it work better, if not it is just the same

BE A MAN and get the darn thing! you won't regret it!!!

Fergie

[countershot]

should I get this loco? i Realy like the way it looks and sounds..
this smoke does not matter to me but it would be nice, is there any way to make it work better, if not it is just the same

[Fergmiester]

It's a very good price. I finally got to "work mine last night and I'm happy. I just have to break it in a little. It has very good pulling power and the sound is good too.

Contrary to the general concesus regarding the sound I have no issues with it's quality.

Like everything thing else This Loco has it's strong points and week points.

Regards
Fergie

[twhite]

Joe--the wispy smoke is pretty typical of most HO locos outfitted with smoke generators--you have to be running it pretty much at full bore to get any kind of thick smoke. Just pretend that you're running with very clear flues. Contrary to popular opinion, most steam locomotives didn't spew a lot of smoke unless their flues were dirty or they were burning substandard fuel. When you see photographs of steamers belching what looks like a forest fire, a lot of it was either show for photographers, or the engine was running in very cold temperatures. With that out of the way, $250 sounds like a good price for the Genesis--it's a honey of a runner, though if you're running DC like me, you'll have to get used to that little 'radio control' thingy that comes with it. One thing, the whistle sounds weird, but then so did the whistles on the real thing, at least in my opinion.
Tom [:D]

[Anonymous]

The smoke is'nt very impressive. Its more of a little wisp. You can hardly see it...[:(]

[Anonymous]

I knew they were smoke generator ready, but I've never heard of one coming with a smoke generator. Curious.........

[Anonymous]

I was unaware that they smoked out of the box.
I paid $263.00 with shipping a few months back.

[Anonymous]

Here's a link: http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=rthkal

[countershot]

I have found a Athearn Genesis Challenger #3943 with smoke, dcc, sound the hole 9 yards for $250 is this a good deal if so what comes with it?
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