I have collected brass for years. I have one piece of Challenger
steam, the S4 #3001. It is a work of art in every sense. Mine seems
to run well. I guess I'd say it's more fragile than some of my older
steam. Even though I have a layout under way, I have to admit I
don't run anything that much. I have always felt that the plastic
diesels, such as Stewart, P2K, Atlas, are more dependable than any
steam I own (not unlike the real thing).
I guess my best comment on the Challenger steam is that I now have an
O5b on order. Yes, it will be expensive, but it will be beautiful.
I have most of my stuff on display in my den, and the O5 will
probably spend most of its time there and not on the layout. I guess
it depends what you plan to do with the engine. I remember (vaguely)
seeing 5632 run through La Grange when I was a little boy and I want
a model of that engine.
Based on the price of new brass in general, and I mean passenger
cars, freight cars, everything, with some passenger cars retailing at
$350-400, for what the Challenger model is, I do not think it is
overpriced (but please, Challenger, don't go any higher!).
John Sauer.
--- In BRHSlist@y..., arnold299@a... wrote:
> JUst wanted to bounce a few questions about the new Challenger O-
5's to the
> BRHS listers. I recently acquired by first and second brass steam
> locomotives. They are the Sunset 4-6-4 and the Oriental 4-8-4. Both
are great
> locomotives and without a doubt the most expensive locomotives on
my layout.
> I do not regret buying them and in fact since I am cursed with the
CB&Q bug
> consider it to be my duty to have some CB&Q steam.
> My question to all is since the Oriental Limited is such a fine
work of art,
> and the Custom Brass is good second runner-up ( I am told, never
seen one
> run), why spend the big bucks on the Challenger O-5's. I am in the
market for
> a oil burner but is the price worthy of the Challenger. I have
never seen the
> Challenger workmanship and I am not putting it down. I just want
some input
> about what whistles and bells on this locomotive make it worth that
price tag.
> I understand I will probably never see Athearn or Proto 2000 make
an O-5, I
> just consider the price on the Challenger unit a little high.
>
> Scott Arnold
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