Finally got some serious run time on this beast today. Ran flawless for about 4 hours. It was definitely the attention getter. Ran it as a passenger outfit with State Cars in tow and also as a freight consists with 200 series cars. Very impressed.
Steve
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Not enough cars Steve! LOL. I get some vid of the original 
800E...just as soon as i modify the layout to accommodate it!
We need to get you guys to build Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) modules! Show off some of your structures and accessories with your beautiful trains! They're fun and easy to build, and make set-up a snap. The Wisconsin group has a fantastic 16'x24' display that all fits into a little "tag-along" trailer.
Kirk Lindvig
thank you for posting the video ...that is one serious engine ...
Impressive, but TOO serious for my taste!
What year was this loco made? What kind of motors/drivetrain does it have?!
Ted S posted:What year was this loco made? What kind of motors/drivetrain does it have?!
Here's a bit of history. The Challenger data is as of 2017. Not sure when Jim Waterman bought the tooling, but he has only made 3 so far. Jim is using MTH Build A Loco motors. Mine was made this year.
http://www.tcawestern.org/harmon.htm
Steve
This is a current production model made by Jim Waterman. He converts standard two axle bild-a-loco drives (available from MTH and others) into a three axle unit by adding one pair of flangeless drivers.
Kirk Lindvig
I will not be satisfied until I see this on an outdoor rail track carting Mr Eastman dressed in a tutu on a custom flat car !
Steve,
Very nice, thanks for the video.
Needs showroom cars!
So glad it's back into operating shape - FedEx strikes again. Next one gets shipped in one of those Sumo wrestler costumes with the huge balloons on the outside.
Jim
Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:Ted S posted:What year was this loco made? What kind of motors/drivetrain does it have?!
Here's a bit of history. The Challenger data is as of 2017. Not sure when Jim Waterman bought the tooling, but he has only made 3 so far. Jim is using MTH Build A Loco motors. Mine was made this year.
http://www.tcawestern.org/harmon.htm
Steve
Steve,
I bought the Harmon tooling (and some parts) from Bob Thon in 2018, so about a year into build. So far, 3 Challengers and one Pacific delivered, and one Hudson and another Challenger in work. Plus about 35 Harmon cars built in PRR, Southern, B&O and Milwaukee (bought 50 sets of castings, most are accounted for, but I can order more). I have parts for another 6 Harmon engine. Getting harder to get new parts - a lot of Lionel 400E parts used (BAL motors, lead truck, valve gear, steam cylinders for example).
Jim
Jim,
Love your engine! However, The Milwaukee Road, i.e., CMStP&P, didn't own any Challengers, but it did own Mallets! So if you can tweak your 4-6-6-4 Challenger design a little into a 2-6-6-2 Milwaukee Road Mallet, you have another sale!!
Bob Nelson
Fatman posted:I will not be satisfied until I see this on an outdoor rail track carting Mr Eastman dressed in a tutu on a custom flat car !
That is so funny.
Fatman posted:I will not be satisfied until I see this on an outdoor rail track carting Mr Eastman dressed in a tutu on a custom flat car !
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