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I don't particularly want a Challenger, although I am excited that they brought back Lionmaster and to do my part to make sure they continue to sell them, I am tempted to buy one anyway.  

 

That being said, if they do go away again then I can stay with the RK Imperial products which are just fine too.

 

But as a hobbyist, I like having the options.  What I would love to see is a Lionmaster T-1.  I believe they were made before, and I missed them.  

Some forum members whined because there were no new Lionmaster locomotive releases.  Now that Lionel has a nice Lionmaster Challenger available there is no excuse for those members not to order one of these engines, especially with the locomotive equipped with "whistle steam" effects.  I myself will order one of the UP's.

 

Steve, Lady and Tex

Not sure if I'll pre-order - that's not my preference, although I might do it in order to help send a signal to Lionel! I definitely will be getting the yellow stripe UP version. I was surprised and very pleased to see this cataloged. I had almost decided to look for the earlier version from 12 years ago, or whenever it was, to run with my 15" UP aluminum passenger cars, for which it's perfect. The whistle steam is a nice bonus.

 

 

About two weeks before the catalog came out I picked up the previous Legacy release 3985. Got a serious deal. So I'll pass this time on the new version. 

 

 

I pre-ordered my Legacy Lionmaster Big Boy 4006 back in 2008 I think. Great engine that gets lots of run time.

 

 

Got to run the cab-forward of a fellow club member at a show a few years back. So that ones on my wish list.

 

Nick

 

In my opinion, the Lionmaster Challenger is a much more nicely rendered version of a Challenger than the Rail King Challenger.  First of all, the locomotive is longer than the Rail King model and is just a couple inches short of being a full sized scale Challenger.  Those couple of inches, however, make all the difference in the world in overhang on O72 curves - there is minimal overhang on O72 and the Lionmaster Challenger has a very natural looking appearance on O72.  The overall proportions and detailing on the Lionmaster appear closer to the real Jabelmann Challengers.

Originally Posted by The Portland Rose:

In my opinion, the Lionmaster Challenger is a much more nicely rendered version of a Challenger than the Rail King Challenger.  First of all, the locomotive is longer than the Rail King model and is just a couple inches short of being a full sized scale Challenger.  Those couple of inches, however, make all the difference in the world in overhang on O72 curves - there is minimal overhang on O72 and the Lionmaster Challenger has a very natural looking appearance on O72.  The overall proportions and detailing on the Lionmaster appear closer to the real Jabelmann Challengers.

I understand your point but from my perspective the goal of Lionmaster and RK Imperial is to scale the equipment down so it runs on O31/036/O42.  Those couple of extra inches on the locomotive will make it that much more awkward to run on the smaller layouts many of us have.

 

There is no right or wrong here, just to be clear.  But price always goes into the mix of factors for people, and at least at full list price it is a good deal more than list of the RK version, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. 

Also, for those of you ordering the Lionmaster Challenger, I noticed the catalog description and website made no mention of the engine having the flicker firebox

 

I assumed the engine would have it, because it has in the past.  However, I wanted to be sure so I contacted Lionel.  They confirmed it will have that feature.  Great news, we gain whistle steam and do not have to give up any of the other great features!

Well, on a previous thread I mentioned that I am a LionMaster fan, but don't really want a Challenger.  Truthfully, I like Challengers, just didn't plan on purchasing one since I don't run western roads(only their rolling stock).  With the LionMaster Cab-Forward, I solved that problem by re-lettering mine to Lionel Lines.

 

Looking at these locomotives again, I'm seriously considering one.  Either the Rio Grande to re-letter to my own roadname or the UP 3985 to re-letter to Lionel Lines.  Still hoping Lionel will continue this series and at least reissue the Hudson and Cab-Forward.

Last edited by Michigan & Ohio Valley Lines

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