We reviewed the Athearn N scale Challenger in the June 2007 issue of Model Railroader. Watch a video clip of this 4-6-6-4 steam locomotive in action.
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Video: Athearn N scale Challenger
By Angela Cotey | April 27, 2007
| Last updated on November 3, 2020
Subscriber bonus for the June 2007 issue
very impressed great syd aust nsw
It is pretty nice.
Now let's see; how can I fit this in on my 3'X 8' layout?
Very nice craftsmanship. Attention to detail. Does Athearn make one in HO scale?
Yipppiiiii…at last
I've seen the model running, and the excellent detail. The whistle sounds seem nothing like the real Challenger, and the decoder is definitely a low end model in terms of capability and programmability. I'll wait until a no-decoder version is available, and install my own.
A very fine model Athearn! Great details and appearance. Nice slow speed operation as well.
N scalers of the world rejoice! I'm a BNSF guy, but this makes me want to add a modern UP railfan consist…I've seen the actual one run through Omaha and this model is an impressive rendition. Kudos to Athearn for finally bringing something like this to N scale.
I just think it sounds so real. My grandfather was an engineer during ww2 and lived all of this for real.
I just wish he could see me now…
Just fantastic. If you did not know it was a model you would think it was real.
Great video.
yet again I am truly wishing for buckets of cash, I WANT ONE!!!
My friend and I were so impressed with this model, we bought three of them between us. Rock on Athearn, and keep up the good work. Need more like this in all the other scales.
I'BEEN OFF N SCALE FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS, [I STILL HAVE MY LOCOS, CARS, BUILDINGS, ET CETERA]. THE NEW CHALLENGER WITH SOUND WILL FORCE ME TO BUILD A NEW LAYOUT. THANKS FOR THIS EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST.
This is one of the best locomotives I have ever seen, the sound is original, it is awesome. Athern has out done itself.
Great job.
Sweet
I am impressed
What a great model! Looks good, runs like a watch and how did they get that sound in such a small package? Got one a few weeks ago and sure do like it, one of the best pullers and nicest looking locos on the layout. I'm in the process of having a little paint and decal work done on it and before long it will join some of my other W.M. engines. Should be one of the best. Thanks Athearn.
I've got 2 of the old Rivarossi Challengers – looks like they will have to be retired!
I purchased the Rio Grande version, and I'm very impressed. The sound is great, and it ran like a dream right out of the box with DCC. It also ran fine in the store on DC.
When Athearn says an 11" minimum radius Athearn MEANS an 11" minimum radius. I had one stretch of flextrack that was properly eased, but I had gotten the minimum radius a _little_ tight right in the middle of the curve. I'd been meaning to change it out for some time, but had delayed as the track was in a tunnel. This engine finally forced me to do that as the front drivers would tend to walk out of the track.
The review is correct in saying that the cab swings out on sharp curves, but I've found that if you have clearance for a 70 foot passenger car you'll have no trouble with this engine. I know this because that same 11" radius curve has a single track tunnel portal right in the middle of it.
This almost makes me want to switch to N scale!!
Thanks for the video. I eally like all different whistles!
Well done, Athearn!
Now bring on the Pennsy steam in N!!!
I saw this run in person and the sound is very close to that in the video. Impressive whistle, sounds like the real thing is coming down the tracks. Nice detailing.
Im, surprised by the sound from such a small unit. And looks great running
Looks realistic, sounds fantastic. I aiready run "N" scale, i may have to buy one.