Challenger Imports Union Pacific 49’er
I love the steam streamliners!
This is a model of the Union Pacific 49’er streamlined 4-8-2 locomotive produced by Challenger Imports. This one screams that art deco look of the 1930’s. The 49’er went into service in 1937 and ran five times a month with an all-Pullman train from Chicago to Oakland. The locomotives were painted brown with bright yellow and red trim to match the railroad’s Diesel-powered streamliners of the day.
Challenger Imports is sadly no longer in business, but their wares trade on the second-hand market quite regularly.
This model has great detail and great paint. The brown and yellow colors are somewhat common amount UP passenger equipment during the 1930’s-1940’s. They changed over to the yellow and gray colors in the late 1940’s.
This one will eventually get the drivetrain overhaul, DCC upgrade and LED lighting.
Here are some photos of the real thing. Must have been something to see these things run in real life.
Originally posted 2015-06-14 14:15:48.
hello, Please notify me when you start. I found one at Brass Trains for 995-IS THIS FAIR?
ALSO; PLEASE NOTIFY ME WHEN YOU SELL THE UP STEAM TURBINE ON EBAY:
THANK YOU
Sounds like a pretty good price. I paid more for mine.
How much for the 49r steam locomotive?
I have added a DCC decoder with sound. I have not pulled the 10 cars, but I am hopeful it can handle it. This is my first and only all-brass engine.
I will look on with interest as you do as you always do and add numerous “bells & whistles” plus great lighting effects that I do not have the guts to tear into. Please take NUMEROUS pictures of the step-by-step processes so that I may contemplate your work:):)
I am presently looking at the ATSF “Blue Goose”. I am waiting to purchase because I do not know what sort of passenger wagons were used. Do you have any suggestions as to which
craftsman or importer made the best engine for a DCC upgrade? Do you have a contact that may be able to help me make a decision? Dealers have them, but are reluctant to make recommendations as to DCC upgradeability.
Best regards, Joel/Berlin
My grandfathers trains were the best in the industry. The quality was impeccable. May he rest in peace knowing today people still appreciate the work he was so fond of.
i have a photo of a locomotive taken in July of 1937
There is a big 49er on the front…
i’s like to send a copy of it to U for any info U might have
thanks
Peter Chaconas Los Angeles Ca