Athearn Challenger

[Anonymous]

My only gripe here is, when the manufactures come up with a "Railroad-Specific" model, such as the destinctive Union Pacific big steamers, the model does not lend itself to use on the layouts that are not trying to model the U.P. I think it would be buch better if they started marketing "generic" steamers, such as 4-8-4's, and 4-6-2's, and supplied a few detail parts to customize the models to the specific road.
While I'm giving away my age here, I recall the early days of "N"scale, and those locomotives were VERY limited as to what was available.
Remember all the "U-50-c's", PA-1's, U.P. "Turbines", etc. ?
I don't hold anything against Athearn for bringing out a model of a U.P. 4-6-6-4, but I'd like to see something more "mainstream".
How about re-tooling the dies to get our old standby Athearn diesels with scale-width hoods? I have a fleet of Athearn GP-9's that I have detailed and painted to GTW, but I hate that "Fat" shell. Most of these were done decades ago, when that was all that was available
I have always liked the Athearn line, but I wi***hey would stick to the "mainstream" models, and improve on their older castings.
Todd C.

[tomwatkins]

Don,
I understand. My Bachmann 2-8-0's and 4-8-2's are excellent, as are my IHC 2-8-0's. I'm eagerly awaiting BLI's heavy Mike. I needed several light Mikes so I persisted with the Athearns until I got them sorted out pretty well.

Tom

[joseph2]

Hi Don.My Athearn 2-8-2 used to derail, re-rail itself and derail again on just 5 feet of track, all other locomotives ran fine on it.I traced the problem to the lead,pony,truck derailing first.I solved it by removing the spring thats between the truck and frame,runs fine now.I agree it might be hard to keep a 4-6-6-4 on the tracks!I wonder if it could be painted for the D&H ?

[Anonymous]

Well Tom, on my layout I use whats called the 3 week rule. That rule says that any new piece of equipment usually needs a bit of tweaking, if i cant get it to run reliably (sp) in 3 weeks(that is zero derailments)it is outta there--I gave that Mikado 3 months, Now I have 4-8-2's 2-8-0,s from Bachmann, BLI Hudson, and a 2-8-0 from IHC.
All of them were running fine in less then 3 weeks, somewhere in another post here I wrote how I combined the Athern Mikado and IHC Consolidated to make a reliable running, good looking well detailed 2-8-2, so although I appreciate your willingness to help, my Athern 2-8-2 is now
A 0-8-0 switcher.
thanks
Don

[tomwatkins]

Don,
What didn't you like about their Mikado? I too had some issues with mine, but was able to find solutions. Maybe I can help.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I was very disappointed with there Mikado, I would never buy another Athern steamer. Not that I would ever buy a Challanger from anyone, but Athern has a long way to go to catch up with the others IMHP

[Anonymous]

I too, am anxious to see the Athearn Challenger. I wonder how it will compare to the Rivarossi Challengers? Should make for some good competition!

[Anonymous]

Listed as big news on the home page. I personally can't wait till it comes out! What do the rest of you think? Cost? Gearing?

Terry