Trix bigboy & Genesis Challenger

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

Is the Trix bigboy worth the money? Are there better options for that or similar price?

Likewise, any opinions on the Athearn Challenger?

Thanks, Ryan

[Berk-fan284]

The Trix is quite nice, good puller, smooth (I can't comment on the sound my setup is DC so the sound doesn't work-DCC only), good detail, quiet. I would rate the Rivarossi late production(can motor in the boiler, Rp25 flanged wheels) Big Boy fairly comparable for less money. The Athearn Challenger is quite good, smooth, strong puller,good details, the sound system works DC or DCC, the remote control takes a bit of practice to get used to, the remote is limited to about 6 feet of range (my basement is pretty cluttered so it is limited for range). The Lionel Challenger is fairly close to the Athearn Challenger except the price seems to have jumped sharply on Ebay due to price speculation (gouging?). Rivarossi late production Challengers ( Can motor, RP25 wheels, etc.)can be found on Ebay in a pretty broad price range and different road names depending on your patience level. If you like building your own Bowser makes a Challenger kit (locomotive only, but you can get a tender from Bowser also) that with a bit of effort builds up nicely, with pulling power to spare and how ever much or little detail you care to install. Bowser is currently offering this kit and others at a reduced price currently so you might want to check their website: www.bowser-trains.com.

[selector]

I have the Lionel and can tell you that it is very good. Great detail, although you'll pay for it. Trainworld in NY had some of them on blow-out just six weeks ago, and may still have some. If you can get one, I would advise you to do it.

[Anonymous]

I have a Trix Big Boy and it is a great loco. Now that it is "broken in" it pulls a decent size consist up my grueling 4% 22" radius grade. Before the plating on the wheels wore off a little, it was unable to pull 4 cars up the grade. Now it pulls 14!

On the flats, it will pull every car I have (30 freight & 9 passenger) even through 22" radius curves without slipping a wheel.

My Rivarossi Challenger is a good puller too, but no match for the Big Boy.

None of mine are currently equipped with sound, so I can't comment there. But they both have DCC and are great runners.

I was extremely lucky on Ebay, I got my Trix Big Boy (Brand New, in the sealed factory box) for $300 including shipping! Have seen a couple go for $450 and $500 but they are very rare. Though I love the Big Boy, I don't think I could justify it for $700+, I'd get another Rivarossi for less than half that and though the detail is not as good as the Trix, it can be super-detailed and come very close.

I can't comment on the running characteristics of the Athearn Genesis Challenger, though I am considering adding one to my fleet in the near future. I personally prefer it to the Lionel Challenger. To me, the Lionel still seems to look more "toylike".

Anyhow, if you can afford it or find one at a good price, the Trix Big Boy is a terrific Loco! The next step up from there is brass ($$$$$$)! Good luck and let us know how you do.

[Anonymous]

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/669wtglv.asp