4-8-8-4 UP "Big Boy" vs. 4-6-6-4 Up Challanger in N scale

[Anonymous]

I am going to build a N scale MR and didnt know which loco was better as far as the pros and cons.  Let me know that would help.  Thanks.

[New Haven I-5]

 Athearn makes a N scale Bigboy & Challenger. If you have money, get it! www.athearn.com . They both have DCC/Sound. The Challenger is available & the Bigboy will be available in April.

[Agrant]

Your question is about comparing the two. Can't help you there. But yesterday, was at friend's house and watched his Athearn Challenger run for about an hour (large layout, 18' x 3'). He was using DCC (Digitrax). Locomotive was pulling 15 freight cars -- not a problem. It ran smoothly at very low speed. Higher speeds, of course, were just fine. Sound was fantastic. He as only one problem at a turnout on a siding where the rear truck derails (code 80 track). Other than that, it ran perfectly, including operating on a turn table.

[ham99]

The Big Boys must have arrived earlier than expected.

[Boiler-man]

FYI, Bigboys are shipping as we talk and some already have theirs.