N scale 3800 Early Challenger Build

[Lemosteam]

That looks just great Jason!

[peteski]

It doesn't look like a Bachmann....

Seriously though, nice job Jason!

[RWCJr]

Great model Jason, like the Southwest alkali weathering.
Robert

[Cajonpassfan]

Jason, you do know I *need* at least one of these, already have the Athearn mech ready and waiting
As always, an awesome build! As to your question about the tender trucks, what you need is a pair of six wheel Buckeyes.....wouldn't the Berk trucks work? Or you could consider the Buckeye sideframes (or castings) thereof laminated over the the Bachmann truck you're using, but I believe the Buckyeye has a longer wheelbase...

It's exciting to see the original design Challenger modeled in N scale!
(Chris, I thought it funny you called this loco odd; this from a guy who likes his steam engines with birdhouse like cabs on top of the boiler)
All in good fun, 
Otto K.

[dnhouston]

Another great job Jason.

[Chris333]

(Chris, I thought it funny you called this loco odd; this from a guy who likes his steam engines with birdhouse like cabs on top of the boiler)
All in good fun, 
Otto K.

Well you know how it is for an easterner. All I knew about UP SP and SF were what I saw in the mags where a challenger was always just a shorter big-boy.

[mmagliaro]

Well you know how it is for an easterner. All I knew about UP SP and SF were what I saw in the mags where a challenger was always just a shorter big-boy.

Ha!  That's how it is for me too.  I may be in Oregon modeling SP&S and NP, but I still look at things like ATSF and just think
"Warbonnet".  I know... shallow...

[superturbine]

Hey guys I really do appreciate it!!!
Otto, all of the buckeye trucks I tried were too long.  It is one of those details I will correct with time.  There is still work to be done on the engine.  I am just happy the concept work.  I owe a lot to drasko for the vision of using the EM-1 boiler on the challenger.

[glakedylan]

very skillful work! your expertise is very appreciated.
thanks for sharing...

respectfully
Gary

[Cajonpassfan]

Hey guys I really do appreciate it!!!
Otto, all of the buckeye trucks I tried were too long.  It is one of those details I will correct with time.  There is still work to be done on the engine.  I am just happy the concept work.  I owe a lot to drasko for the vision of using the EM-1 boiler on the challenger.

Jason,
The MT freight Buckeyes have a shorter wheelbase, if you're interested...
Otto

[superturbine]

Otto,

Your are exactly correct!!  Thanks for the advice, I will have to overlay the buckeye trucks in time.  Right now the engine runs really good and most of the details are there.  I must be honest, I afraid of damaging the engine trying to correct the tender trucks.  The trucks are hard wired and ad not easy to remove.  Here is mostly the finished product.... for now.

Thanks Everybody!!

[Chris333]

If you started with the Bachmann EM-1. That tender had Buckeye trucks.

http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bachem1.html

[superturbine]

I used the EM1 mechanism and tender trucks and frame to build the SP AC-9.  The boiler was the only part left over from that build and I am glad I was able to get it to go onto the Athearn Challenger mechanism for this early challenger.

[Caddy58]

Recycling at its best!
Very, very impressive (as usual)

Cheers
Dirk

[Chris333]

I used the EM1 mechanism and tender trucks and frame to build the SP AC-9.  The boiler was the only part left over from that build and I am glad I was able to get it to go onto the Athearn Challenger mechanism for this early challenger.

oops, guess your outta parts then.

I'm sure sooner or later they will show up as Bachmann parts.