VISION Challenger
During World War II, as the Pacific front intensified, rail traffic congestion threatened to cripple western railroads like the Union Pacific. Railroads placed urgent requests for more motive power to the War Production Board. The UP knew of no better candidate for a fast freight hauler than the 4-6-6-4 simple articulated Challenger-type that they had developed with the American Locomotive Company in the 1930s.
These earliest Challengers, some 60 in total, proved their worth on the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains, showing clearly that the big brute 4-6-6-4 engines had more power and speed than their predecessors.
In 1943, twenty five additional ALCO Challengers arrived at the Union Pacific Railroad. These locomotives were initially designed as coal burners thanks to plentiful Wyoming coalfields. In 1944, however, some “Greyhound” Challengers of U.P. were converted to burn oil for Los Angeles passenger service, where they often exceeded 80 miles per hour speeds. The U.P. Challengers hauled passenger and freight consists through the late 1950s.
- Swing-out scale front coupler with interchangeable, fixed O-Gauge coupler for double-heading
- Opening cab windows and roof vent
- Cab curtains and window glass
- Detailed and decorated cab interior
- Hinged cab deck
- Opening boiler front with authentic interior detail
- Authentic see-through boiler walkway
- Separately applied details including grab irons, piping, and valves
- Authentic smokestack interior detailing
- Prototypical dual smokestack
- Removable smoke deflectors – run your engine with or without "elephant ears"
- Opening roof hatches on tender
- Oil tender on U.P. Greyhounds
- Coal tender on black U.P. engines
- Authentic Detailing
- Enhanced realistic lighting in cab interior
- Directional lighting including operating locomotive headlight and tender back-up light
- Illuminated classification lights on the front of locomotive
- Illuminated rear marker lights on tender
- Illuminated number boards
- Flickering firebox in cab
- Variable ashpan glow
- Four illuminated work lights under boiler with On/Off switch
- Lighting Features
- CAB controlled, variable intensity steam and smoke effects
- Accurate WHISTLE STEAM effects
- New realistic DYNAMO STEAM effects
- Fan-driven smoke unit with adjustable smoke output delivers varying intensity of smoke to main stack, whistle, and dynamo.
- Most steam effects are synchronized to the RailSounds sound system and are user controllable.
- TruRail Steam and Smoke Features
- LEGACY RailSounds system - Control realistic sounds synchronized to TruRail Steam features including blowdown, whistle steam, turbine steam, and injector steam.
- Independently adjustable volume control allows you to use the Remote Controller to lower the level of background effects (such as chuffing) while keeping operator controlled effects (such as the whistle) at full volume.
- DUAL SOUND – With a sound system equipped in your locomotive as well as the tender, Dual Sound enhances sound realism and localizes a wide variety of authentic sound effects.
- TruRail Dialog – Activate upgraded dialog features which boast the most realistic dialogue scenes and authentic railroad terminology possible. Also, dialog scenes can change with engine operation and user control.
- Six official railroad speeds with CrewTalk dialogue
- TruRail Signals – Activate the "quilling" whistle and user playable bell featuring continuous or single strike sounds with variable intensity. There's a dedicated CAB-2 control for both whistle and bell functions.
- TruRail Laboring – Control the variable laboring sounds with 32 levels of simulated dynamic load of the locomotive.
- TruRail Articulated Chuffs – Prototypical four-chuffs per drive wheel revolution for each engine, with the phase relation between the two engines slipping as operating conditions vary, or under user control.
- Upgraded Sound Features!
- Other high-end features
- LEGACY Control System equipped – run the in LEGACY Control mode, in TrainMaster Control mode, or in Conventional mode with a standard transformer
- Odyssey II Speed Control with On/Off switch
- High-torque motor with momentum flywheel
- Wireless Tether connection between locomotive
- and tender
- ElectroCoupler on rear of tender
- Die-cast metal locomotive body, pilot, and trucks
- Die-cast metal tender body and trucks
- Traction tires
- All twelve driving wheels powered
- Accurate separately-applied builders plates
- Engineer and fireman figures
- Rail Line: Union Pacific
- Road Number: 3983
- Gauge: O Gauge
- Scale Type: Scale
- Brand: Lionel
- Min Curve: O72
- Dimensions: Length: 32"
- Most Recent Catalog: 2010 Lionel Signature Edition Volume One
Introducing the Lionel 11221 Union Pacific Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Engine, a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship that brings the power and majesty of the Union Pacific railroad to your model train layout. Produced by Lionel, a trusted name in the world of model railroading, this steam engine is a true collector's item.
The Lionel 11221 Union Pacific Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Engine captures the essence of the legendary Union Pacific Challenger locomotives that roared across the American West. Meticulously detailed and beautifully crafted, this model is a testament to the rich history and grandeur of these iconic steam engines.
With its impressive 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement, this steam engine exudes power and strength. Every aspect of its design, from the accurately reproduced boiler and cab to the intricately molded details, showcases the exceptional attention to detail and commitment to authenticity.
Equipped with Lionel's renowned Command Control technology, this steam engine offers precise control and smooth operation. With the push of a button, you can control various functions, including speed, direction, and even the synchronized sounds of a real steam locomotive.
The Union Pacific Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Engine is an impressive centerpiece for any model train layout. Its commanding presence and realistic features make it a standout addition, whether displayed as a static model or actively operated on your tracks.
Lionel has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality model trains, and the 11221 Union Pacific Challenger Steam Engine is no exception. Built to exacting standards, it combines durability with exceptional performance, ensuring years of enjoyment for model train enthusiasts of all ages.
Experience the thrill of the Union Pacific railroad and relive the bygone era of steam railroading with the Lionel 11221 Union Pacific Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Engine. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a classic steam locomotive as you witness the authentic detailing and hear the captivating sounds emanating from this extraordinary model.
Whether you're a passionate collector, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of meticulously crafted model trains, the Lionel 11221 Union Pacific Challenger 4-6-6-4 Steam Engine is a must-have addition to your collection. Step aboard and embark on a journey through the golden age of railroading with this remarkable piece from Lionel.
- Measurement: 56 x 52 x 80 cm high. The seat height is 44 cm. Armrest height 65.8 cm.
- Manufacturer: Normann Copenhagen
- Designer: Simon Legald.
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the 'Complete Orders' link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
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