Lobaugh Challengers

[ScaleCraft]

Very fine lead shot and white glue. Trick he learned from Bob Hyde.

When that dried white glue gets wet, it expands/swells. Badly.

Picking it out was safer healthwise than a torch.

[Carey Williams]

Lobaugh made a great running Challenger ..I'm fortunate to have a nice running pair of the pre-war models . ..they needed very little encouragement to take to the rails again. .

Please see link

https://youtu.be/prDWTVSGtgs?si=MzpUJgiJlpTKpOLz

Cheers Carey

[ScaleCraft]

bet yours don't have two motors................

[bob turner]

One does. See the NP Challenger on page 1. I submit that my Challenger is the only dual powered model ever where you cannot see the gearbox or drive shaft (or a Lionel-like curtain hiding same).

[ScaleCraft]

One does. See the NP Challenger on page 1. I submit that my Challenger is the only dual powered model ever where you cannot see the gearbox or drive shaft (or a Lionel-like curtain hiding same).

Talking to Carey.....but, I seriously cannot recall visibility issues on the Woody/Maroon D&H unit. Boy does that work good.

[bob turner]

Just realized that. The Lobaugh gear boxes are quite low - barely visible, and prewar they are rectangular, which is to my eye not as offensive as the postwar gearbox.

The Lobaugh gears can be mistreated - usually by improper mesh - and the Bakelite axle gear can get damaged. One must use caution on assembly.

Newer NWSL have the same problem - you need to open up the axle bearing area with (from memory) a #J drill and sandpaper. Wrap the sandpaper around the drill and carefully open the gearbox until it fits half the bearing. Do the same for the cap. Look for a reasonable fit with no gap between the box and cap, viewed from the side.

Raoul's glass filled gearbox casting was perfect, and needs no adjusting.

[bob turner]

Somebody help. I am on the top three threads.

Just putting the finishing touches on a rear engine for a new Jabelmann Challenger. Looking for a front frame casting and cylinder block. Not a big deal; I can make both. Just thinking about authenticity. I got a bunch of spare parts from Bob Stevenson, and they really look good - crossheads, guides, rods, eccentrics - I may have more Challengers than any kid on the block.

[bob turner]

Nobody? I used the last of the black Scale Coat that Jay C sent me a couple years ago. The old airbrush is spitting and snorting - time for a new one! But then I would need readily available paint, and so far all I know of is the True Color stuff at eight bucks an ounce plus ten bucks shipping. I guess that is a bargain in 2025, but I am living in 1974.

Tonight I am assembling the boiler on to the mechanism - trying not to uncouple the front engine, yet get everything set up without too much scratched paint. I am after Gersh for UP decals and a chosen road number. Photos next week.

Am I all alone around here?

[ScaleCraft]

Nobody?

Am I all alone around here?

apparently!

[steamaheadstephen59]

Im here Bob and watching with interest. I only have bits and pieces for the Challenger and need cylinders etc too. So nothing to share at this stage. I have the KTM Challenger but you have all seen that.

[SWrailroader]

Bob,
Also interested as always. Presumably you put in the good word to fix my account on MTJ. Thank you. I have always liked the Challengers. The proportion just seems right unlike the Big Boy to my eye.
Rob

[ScaleCraft]

NP Z-6. MUCH better looking!

[bob turner]

Agree. From page 1 of this thread:



Note that those are your decals. Mostly Lobaugh, but wood block tender, and dual motor independent drive to the engines.

[bob turner]

This one was long ago finished, and awaits Greyhound decals. Yes, I changed the trailing truck.

[SWrailroader]

Bob,
The wood block tender is a very nice rendition. Kind of inspires me to make a slope back tender that ATSF used on their older steam, like the 2-10-10-2. What kind of wood and sealer did you use? The challengers look very nice.
Rob