Aster Hobby Co Inc together with their North American distributor, Aster Hobby USA LLC are considering the Union Pacific ‘Challenger’ type 4-6-6-4 locomotive as the next US prototype project. They are currently compiling a list of customers seriously interested in the purchase of this exciting live steam locomotive.
The projected target price for the ‘Challenger’ Kit is similar to the recent Aster AD60 Garratt kit. A price for a Factory built-up ready to run version has not yet been established. Clearly adverse Foreign Exchange rates will have an impact too.
If the project is approved, a pilot model may be available in January 2011. Projected target date for production release is end of 2011. Progress updates will be posted on our website.
The current economic situation does no longer permit large scale production and long term product warehousing. Due to the cost of this locomotive, only as many as are reserved will be produced. Therefore, if you are seriously interested in the UP ‘Challenger’, please get in touch.
This survey is being conducted by all Aster Distributors worldwide. Please submit your name to Aster Hobbies (UK) LLP by telephone, email or letter.
The model will feature alcohol firing, working cylinder drain cocks on all four cylinders, battery powered headlight, and all the usual features of current Aster locomotives. The possibility of a dual fuel burning boiler (alcohol / coal), and a passenger version (grey with yellow lining) depends on the number of firm reservations received to keep higher production cost for such features within reach.
The selected locomotive will be Union Pacific ‘Challenger’ No. 3985 in black, as preserved today in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A black undecorated version will also be available so you could decorate your locomotive in Rio Grande or Clinchfield livery, these two Railroads having used the same ‘Challenger’ design as the Union Pacific. The grey UP Passenger (or Greyhound version) if made available will be engine # 3977.
So please let us know if this is for you.
