BLI 9921 HO Scale Union Pacific Early Challenger (CSA-2) Steam Locomotive with Digital Sound & Synchronized Smoke – Painted Brass Version

BLI #9921 HO Scale Union Pacific Early Challenger (CSA-2) Steam Locomotive with Digital Sound & Synchronized Smoke – Painted Brass Version

Union Pacific Early Challenger (CSA-2) Steam Locomotive
The Union Pacific Challenger was a class of powerful simple articulated 4-6-6-4 steam locomotives built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) exclusively for the Union Pacific Railroad.
A total of 105 locomotives were produced between 1936 and 1943. Measuring 122 feet (37 m) in length and weighing 628,000 pounds (284,800 kg), these locomotives were primarily assigned to freight service across the vast Union Pacific network. A select number also hauled passenger trains through the rugged mountain regions of California and Oregon.
Designed specifically to meet Union Pacific's demanding operating requirements, the Challenger represented a major advancement in high-speed articulated steam locomotive technology. The engineering experience gained from the Challenger program later contributed directly to the development of the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives.
Why the Name "Challenger"?
The name "Challenger" refers to its 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement:
Four leading wheels on the pilot truck guide the locomotive smoothly through curves.
Two sets of six driving wheels are powered by a total of four steam cylinders.
Four trailing wheels support the large firebox.
In essence, each Challenger was equivalent to two locomotives operating under a single boiler.
Before the Challenger was introduced, articulated steam locomotives were generally limited to lower speeds due to design constraints. Union Pacific's engineering innovations broke through this barrier, making sustained speeds exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) routine—an achievement virtually unheard of for articulated locomotives on other railroads at the time.
Paragon4 Sound & Control System
All-new Paragon4 Sound & Control System
Synchronized smoke output with steam chuff sounds
Adjustable smoke intensity and puff timing
Integral DCC decoder with Back EMF motor control
Industry-leading slow-speed performance
Drive System
Precision-engineered drive mechanism
Designed for continuous heavy-load hauling
Smooth and reliable low-speed operation
Five-pole skew-wound can motor
Construction
Handcrafted brass boiler
Brass tender body
Die-cast chassis
Maximum tractive effort and pulling power
Prototype-Accurate Details
Features numerous separately applied details, including:
Handrails
Ladders
Piping
Cab glazing
Whistle
Brass bell
Marker lights
Number boards
Air reservoirs
And many other finely detailed components
Paint & Finish
Premium-quality factory paintwork
Authentic prototype-inspired paint scheme
Lighting Features
Individually controllable:
Headlight
Reverse light
Cab light
Front number board lights
Rear marker light

Additional Features
Factory-installed engineer and fireman figures
Two operating Kadee-compatible couplers
Equipped with rubber traction tires for increased pulling power

Compatible with:
Code 70 track
Code 83 track
Code 100 track
Recommended Minimum Radius: 22 inches
Authentic Union Pacific Early Challenger prototype sound package included.