This is an MTH 70-3014-1 Denver and Rio Grande 4-6-6-4 Challenger Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0, Cab #3710. In the midst of the Great Depression, Union Pacific designed and asked ALCO to build the best high-speed simple articulated engines to grace American rails. The 4-6-6-4 Challenger first appeared on UP rails in 1936, and it was clear from the beginning that it could handle tremendous tonnage at high speeds. Although the Challenger was designed for fast freight work, the UP also used it for passenger service; the engine proved it could easily handle any task it was given. It was in a round-about way that Clinchfield took possession of their Challengers. Early in World War II, UP entered an order for several more Challengers. The War Production Board refused to let UP have the entire order and diverted six of the new Challengers on a lease program to the Rio Grande, which used the locomotives until the war’s end. In 1947, eastern coal hauler the Clinchfield Railroad bought all six Challengers. They moved the Challengers east under their own power and put them to work pulling long coal trains. By 1953, though, steam locomotives were phased out and Clinchfield’s Challengers were retired. M.T.H. is proud to reintroduce the Challenger in the markings of five railroads in the 2004 RailKing One-Gauge line. This model of a classic American prototype will look right at home in virtually any garden setting, due to the prototype’s use across the span of the United States. Pull-out fact: The UP apparently expected to get the remaining six Challengers they had ordered after the war, but the U.S. government, who owned them, stored them in Salt Lake City until striking the deal that sold them to Clinchfield. Features include Detailed Polycarbonate Boiler and Tender Body, Authentic Paint Scheme, Metal Wheels and Axles, Operating Knuckle Coupler, Lighted Number Boards, Interchangeable Hook & Loop Coupler, and Constant Voltage Lighting.

This item has been graded per TCA standards C-7: Excellent based on visual appearance. Some trim and small train parts elements are misaligned, bent, damaged or missing. There are light nicks and scratches on the surface of this item. The overall appearance of this item may be improved with a gentle and thorough cleaning. The wheels show signs of wear. The instruction manual is included. The original box is included. Please check the photos for a detailed look at this item. Overall condition is Excellent.

Condition: Excellent (C-7)
Operational Status: Functional
Original Box: Yes (P-5)

Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 70-3014-1
Road Name: Denver & Rio Grande Western (DRGW)

Scale/Era: G Scale
Model Type: Steam Loco

The SKU for this item is 5958532.

Product Id: 11415546