Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

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up148
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Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby up148 » Sat Apr 17, 2021 10:26 am

I have an opportunity to pick up a 3rd Rail "Early" Challenger with a Sofue drive and before I decide what to do, I wondered if anyone else imported this model? This Challenger was imported at the beginning of 3rd Rail (2001), when they were located in Campbell, Ca and Mort was still involved with the company.

It's easy to see the 3R compromises (high water tender, sparse detail, one piece axle plate for all three axles, etc), but I think I can change those out, unless there are other issues I don't know about that make improving it unfeasible.

I was told there were two runs of early Challenger by 3rd Rail, one built by Samhongsa and one by and unknown builder....this bears a Sunset data plate so I'm assuming it was the unknown builder. Anyone know any more about that?

bob turner
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby bob turner » Sun Apr 18, 2021 11:10 am

With a Sofue drive you will probably be ok. The only serious flaw with early Sunset was the brass axle gear, and they got away from that in a hurry. Most Sunset (one exception is the Harriman Atlantic) was extremely well built from substantial thick brass.

up148
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby up148 » Mon Apr 19, 2021 10:18 am

Thanks Bob, I forgot you knew a lot about the SS/3rd Rail locos. With that brass axle replaced that problem is eliminated.

I can't believe (but don't remember ever seeing one) that no one imported an "Early" Challenger. Tons of late model Challengers, imported by everyone and yet only SS/3rd Rail on the "Early".

bob turner
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby bob turner » Mon Apr 19, 2021 10:41 am

Well,International . . .

up148
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby up148 » Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:24 am

If by International you mean IMP (International Model Products,) I think a guy like me could more easily update and correct the mistakes on the SS than an older IMP. "A man's got to know his limitations" :D

bob turner
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby bob turner » Mon Apr 19, 2021 2:04 pm

I agree - what is incorrect on the Sunset? Lobaugh is too crude for really accurate upgrades, but I often mistake Sunset for PSC. At a distance of two feet.

up148
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby up148 » Mon Apr 19, 2021 2:59 pm

This model was imported around 2001/03 and has all the typical 3R compromises that early SS/3rd Rail models had, but I believe I can change them out and have a pretty accurate model. The paint is good, so I'll have to protect that. With the Sofue drive it should be worth the time and $$$ to make it as correct as possible. Sadly, looking at my older PSC detail catalogs, many items I would like to add are no longer available...so maybe I'll build some fabrication skills.

Rufus T. Firefly
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby Rufus T. Firefly » Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:43 am

up148 wrote:Sadly, looking at my older PSC detail catalogs, many items I would like to add are no longer available...


Have you called them to confirm that they are discontinued?
Conservatism: The intense fear that somewhere, somehow, someone you think is inferior is being treated as your equal.

up148
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby up148 » Tue Apr 27, 2021 10:20 am

No I haven't, but Marty M is going to sell me a complete detail kit when he returns home. I don't need it all, but will have spare details to modify and use elsewhere if the need arises.

Rufus T. Firefly
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby Rufus T. Firefly » Tue Apr 27, 2021 12:23 pm

Okay, I was just wondering what the status might be of some stuff that seems long gone might really be and/or whether some might be available if directly requested.
Conservatism: The intense fear that somewhere, somehow, someone you think is inferior is being treated as your equal.

Carey Williams
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Re: Who imported "Early" Challengers beside 3rd Rail

Postby Carey Williams » Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:43 pm

Hello all


International Challenger 1952 + -
video link

https://youtu.be/TfxU8Ap3uIs

Lobaugh prewar Challenger 1940-1
video link

https://youtu.be/f0IJjA6nEv8

cheers Carey


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