• • • • • • • • Challenger History Challenger…The Model Model Features Sound and DCC Features Operating the Challenger Lubrication and Maintenance Challenger Tender Diagrams Challenger Locomotive Diagrams Page…2 Page…4 Page…5 Page…6 Page…7 Page…10 Page…12 Page…14
The Challenger 4-6-6-4 simple articulated locomotive was born into an era of contradictions. The railroad industry was suffering through the massive economic downturns of the early 1930s, with most railroads barely remaining solvent. Yet, a movement arose that resulted in the development of the pinnacle of steam locomotive design. New locomotive orders with the major erection shops of Alco, Baldwin and Lima were almost non - existent in the years between 1930 and 1933.
nized locomotives in the world. In 1936, the first group of locomotives with the 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement was delivered to the Union Pacific Railroad. They were an immediate success and their roster grew to number 105 locomotives on the Union Pacific alone. This new wheel arrangement was given the name “CHALLENGER”. While the origin of the name is unclear, it proved to be an apt moniker. The Challenger type of locomotive would serve until the end of mainline steam service.
UNION PACIFIC Union Pacific received its fourth order of Challengers in 1943, and its fifth order in 1944. These were improved from the earlier design based upon experience gained from the Big Boy 4-8-8-4 locomotive received in 1941. These locomotives featured double smoke stacks, centipede tenders and many parts common to the Big Boys. In 1952 engines from both orders were converted to burn oil and were renumbered in the 3700 series.
Model Features The Athearn N-Scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger is the culmination of the art of design and tooling integrating the latest innovations in electronic technology. The Challenger model has been developed from its inception as the finest three dimensional operating miniature representation of the prototype available. Enclosed in the premium quality box are the following items: 1. History and Instruction Book that includes a warranty and instruction card 2. N scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger Locomotive 3.
Sound and DCC Features The installation of sound in a locomotive adds a new dimension to operation. Sound makes a technically perfect static model come alive and enhances the experience of operation. You will find that you will no longer ‘run’ the engine but, rather, operate it in the context of your layout. Whether you are using conventional DC control or a DCC system, the incorporation of advanced electronic technology will provide the ultimate railroading experience.
Caution: This locomotive is a very delicate model. Please be careful when handling it and placing it on the track. Your new Athearn N-Scale Challenger Locomotive comes factory equipped with a state-of-the-art Dual Function decoder. This means your locomotive will run on any NMRA compatible DCC system or on any regular DC Train Control (HO power pack). ATTENTION D.C.
will be extended. 13. Whenever you feel that the locomotive is not operating properly you should move the throttle to zero or 25%-35% throttle setting (depending on your power pack) and slowly move the throttle up again to control the locomotive. Programming in Analog Mode While in analog mode, you can program the chuff rate and the sound volume. 1. Place the locomotive on track. 2. Turn the power switch on the power pack to ON. 3. Slowly turn throttle until sounds come on. 4.
8. When finished running your locomotive, turn your power pack throttle to OFF and turn off the power pack’s power switch. Any programming changes made in DC analog mode will affect any prior DCC mode settings. Program the locomotive the same way you would program any other NMRA compatible decoder with your DCC system. DCC Operation- Digital Mode Additional Information Your new Athearn N-Scale Challenger Locomotive will operate on any NMRA compatible DCC system.
Lubrication and Maintenance of the Athearn N-Scale 4-6-6-4 Challenger The Athearn N-Scale Challenger Locomotive has been carefully engineered to provide years of trouble free operation. However, as with all things mechanical, a small amount of care and maintenance is required to insure the flawless operation of this fine model. These simple procedures will provide the necessary information to give you years of trouble-free enjoyment.
STEAM SOUNDS CHART CV CHART Function Idle/Moving CV Register Description Range Default Range Default Double click F0 Master Volume Control (4 Steps, same as F12) CV1 R1 Short address 1-127 3 CV120 --- Chuff rate 0-30 12 F1 Bell on/off CV2 R2 Start voltage 0-32 0 CV121 --- Chuff start point adjustment 0-7 3 F2 Whistle CV3 R3 Acceleration 0-32 8 CV122 Double chuff enable 0-1 F3 Air release CV4 R4 Deceleration 0-32 8 1 (enable) F4 Coupling CV5 --- Top vo
COAL TENDER COAL TENDER with WOOD DECK 125 121 126 122 121 120 127 119 126 122 120 127 119 123 128 123 128 124 129 124 131 130 129 132 131 130 132 134 133 134 133 137 137 135 135 136 138 142 136 144 148 150 140 145 146 141 147 139 144 140 145 146 162 138 142 139 141 147 148 162 151 150 152 152 149 163 149 163 143 153 161 165 143 153 154 164 151 154 161 164 155 165 160 155 160 156 156 157 157 158 158 159 159 12
OIL TENDER 121 167 122 168 120 127 119 Item # 125 166 169 123 128 124 129 131 130 132 134 133 137 135 136 138 142 139 144 140 145 146 141 147 148 162 150 151 152 149 163 143 153 154 161 164 165 155 160 156 157 158 159 13 Description QTY Item # Description QTY 119 Tender Handrail Top 2 151 Tender Couple Pin 1 120 Tender Handrail Rear Top 2 152 Draw Bar 1 121 Tender Backup Light Base 1 153 Washer 1 122 Tender Backup Light Wire 1 154 Tender Spring
SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS LIST Item # Description QTY Item # 1 Cab Handrail Rear 1 44 Piping Outside Firebox #2 1 2 Cab Door & Window Glass Rear 1 45 Cab Support Right 1 3 Cab Window Glass Side Right 1 46 Water Pump 1 4 Closed Cab 1 47 Frame 1 5 Cab Handrail Front 2 48 Piping Outside Firebox #1 1 6 Cab Window Glass Front Right 1 49 Wire Cover 1 7 Cab Window Glass Front Left 1 50 Screw 1 8 Cab Window Glass Side Left 1 51 Trailing Truck Weight 1 9 Boiler Half-Top
UNION PACIFIC CLINCHFIELD 8 9 8 9 10 7 11 7 1 10 1 11 12 2 12 13 4 3 54 3 14 5 5 13 6 14 6 15 16 17 15 26 18 20 19 21 16 17 24 27 25 170 23 22 18 20 19 21 24 28 22 56 29 30 46 171 31 47 57 58 33 32 48 60 RIO GRANDE 59 49 34 45 35 8 44 36 50 9 37 43 51 7 38 52 10 1 39 42 11 12 40 54 41 3 5 6 13 14 53 15 16 17 18 20 19 21 24 56 15 22
RUNNING GEAR 61 93 106 173 108 107 92 109 69 62 110 71 70 63 95 91 68 64 111 90 112 94 96 65 66 72 113 97 67 101 73 174 74 177 98 75 76 79 80 178 114 175 115 105 77 81 104 82 116 83 84 85 172 176 78 103 100 86 102 117 118 87 89 88 Item # 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Description Worm Cover Worm Assembly Rear Gear Box Contact Plate Right Gear Shaft Compound Gear Idler Gear Screw Contact Plate Left Rear Cylinder Cover Left Expansion L
Athearn 1550 Glenn Curtiss Street Carson, CA 90746 www.athearn.com rev 03.20.
