Athearn Trains’ N scale Challenger 4-6-6-4 and Big Boy 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive models are now available with SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) decoders. See and hear the locomotives in action during a run on the Model Railroader staff’s N scale layout.
Video: Athearn Trains N scale Challenger and Big Boy
By Angela Cotey | September 11, 2013
| Last updated on February 11, 2021
The Athearn Trains N scale Challenger 4-6-6-4 and Big Boy 4-8-8-4 feature SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoders
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Nice when will the gray D&RGW challenger be available
I love the layout! Whose is it?
NICE EYE APPEAL…BUT THE SOUND IS REALLY NOT CONVINCING AT ALL..THEY HAVE TO FIX THAT….
One of those would look very nice on my Layout.
These look and sound great. N Scale has really come along way in the 45 years I have been modeling in N-Scale
They look good but I never heard a whistle toot???
Really not very convincing. Looks (just) Ok but the sound is really not very good. I would be embarrassed to have this big boy on my layout. They ave to do better.
To Warren Hester:
The first runs of Athearn Challengers and Big Boys had MRC DCC sound decoders. For information on purchasing replacement boards, I suggest checking the SoundTraxx website at http://www.soundtraxx.com.
Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Are there any other DCC N scale sound-equpped engines, diesel or steam?
sounds good
Sound is not realistic.
IMHO steam sound is generally less convincing than diesel, even in HO. I do have an N layout set somewhere in Rio Grande territory, designed for continuous running through spectacular scenery , but at only 26" x 82" I doubt I could get these round the curves (see Copper Canyon in the Jan 2013 Continental Modeller – I bought it on impulse at an exhibition as the builder wanted room for his next project). However, whilst I have no N scale sound, my thoughts are that as in effect an N scale railway is "seen from further away" (in scale terms) than an HO layout, maybe the best operational practice for realism would be to turn the sound down low to make it commensurate with the scale distance.
I have 3 Athearn f45's with Soundtraxx and they all sound phenominal. These steamers sound just as well
Bought a Big Boy and am very happy. Runs right out of the box, comes pre lubricated. I run it every day, my min r is 16 but mostly 20 to 30. Took it to a buddies, 10 to 20 and it had no problems, but looked kinda out of place on his 10 in radius. In credible detail.
Amazing locos. Can't wait to get my hands on them.
nice
Unfortunately, sounds like someone banging on an aluminum plate. Not to my liking tho.
I have purchased a big boy with sound. It runs and sounds excellent on my DC layout. With the sound on board, enhances running on my layout. Once I attach the MRC Black box to my track I am hoping to improve the sounds emanating if compatable.
I like these, too. They remind me of my new 4-8-4 I just got, but it is not a DCC, yet.
I hvbe to agree with Jeffery; Maybe one day, says I! Maybe one day!!!
Absolutely beautiful. And, they fit in perfect with my Steam to Diesel transitional layout.
Idea – EMD buys the rights to the design and builds an Electro-Diesel for retro railroading in the real world.
Thanks for the great review Dana. I have both the Challenger and Big Boy from the first release. Who did the boards in the first go round and what would it cost to get the Tsunami replacement boards as the sound seems to be much better with them. Keep up the good work.
Outsstanding "N" scale models-who would have thought!!
It's amazing what they have done with N scale… but there is such a thing as the reality of scale… and as for sound and detail… it just doesn't make the grade. Thanks !
Beautiful! Unfortunately I suspect the engine is larger than my entire road. Oh well, I can dream.
Both locomotives look great! I know it's difficult to get good sound quality in a recording like this, but I closed my eyes and imagined them coming to the station or getting ready to climb up the grade. These seem like they would be a welcome addition to any larger N-Scale layout! Maybe one day, says I! Maybe one day!!!
Cheers!!!