This is the iconic Rio Grande Challenger.  This train is used but in excellent condition.  Tested extensively and everything seems to function as it should.


Anyone who is even somewhat familiar with the current state of S-gauge knows that a Challenger will most likely NEVER be made again.


NO BOX.  Box pictured is for staging purposes only. 




All Locomotives are sold as-is with no returns or refunds.  Please examine all pictures closely. 


    With the advent of diminished locomotive production due to World War II demands and restrictions, many western railroads were hungry for top performing and even more powerful steamers. A number of railroads believed the most suitable of these was the articulated Challenger. A behemoth of its day, it boasted enough horsepower to haul both freight and passengers in excess of 80 miles per hour, with all the efficiency and torque required to run up steep, mountainous grades. The Challenger was an incredible iron workhorse that left its legacy and imprint on the world of railroads and rail transport.Now these highly accurate scale locomotives are available for the first time in American Flyer S Gauge. Experience the thrill of operating the rail hugging monsters on your very own layout. These outstanding locomotives have been created with a level of performance and detail never before seen in American Flyer S Gauge, including the LEGACY Control System. Available in multiple road names and numbers, you will be amazed by the realism that has been captured as you barrel down the tracks toward your next stop.

    • LEGACY Control System equipped - able to run in Legacy Control mode, Trainmaster Command Control mode, or in Conventional mode with a standard transformer
    • American Flyer Speed Control lets your locomotive operate smoothly and consistently over grades and through curves
    • LEGACY RailSounds sound system featuring:-CrewTalk dialog and TowerCom announcements, each with different scenarios depending on whether the locomotives are in motion or stopped-Six official railroad speeds with CrewTalk dialog-DynaChuff synchronized chuffing that shifts through 15 levels of intensity as the locomotive gains speed-LEGACY 'Real-Time Quilling Whistle' control with instant response for realistic signature 'quilling' and correctly timed warning signals-Single hit or continuous mechanical bell sounds-Independently adjustable volume control
    • Wireless Tether connection between locomotive and tender
    • Four chuffs per revolution
    • Powerful motor with momentum flywheel
    • ElectroCoupler on rear of tender
    • Operating headlight and classification lights
    • Illuminated number boards
    • Die-cast metal locomotive body, frame, and trucks
    • Traction tires
    • Opening hatches
    • Synchronized fan-driven smoke unit
    • Separately applied metal details
    • Accurate separately applied builder's plates
    • Cab window glass
    • Variable ash pan glow
    • Die-cast metal tender body and trucks
NOTE: Due to previous buyer dishonesty, all engines are now sold "for parts only"  Sadly, it apparently does not matter if I post a video of the locomotive working or not as I have been forced to take returns due to the fault of the buyer breaking something and claiming it was sold that way, despite having a video posted in the product listing to the contrary.  Therefore, all engines, even those listed as "new" are being sold explicitly "for parts only".  If you do not agree with this policy, please do not purchase.

That being said, I will still describe the actual, working condition of the engine to the best of my ability and will never withhold information that may negatively impact the item.


Items are sold untested unless specifically stated otherwise.  All items are sold as-is without refunds or exchanges.  I will do my very best to describe the item as accurately as possible, however I am not an expert and errors and/or omissions may occur.  I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have; please ask before purchasing.  


I will combine shipping for multiple items purchased.  I take considerable time and effort to package each shipment to protect it and every order is insured for the full purchase price.  Please keep this in mind when viewing shipping costs.  I will reserve the right to change shipping methods based upon order size and destination.  Please note that I routinely work 72 hour shifts; please allow at least that long for your order to ship.   


Orders not paid for after three days will be cancelled and the item relisted.  I do this primarily to fund my own hobby: I sincerely appreciate each and every purchase.  None of my items are consigned, inherited, or attic finds: all have been purchased by myself and in most cases I have a hard bottom for discount allowance.  As such, repeated unreasonable offers will be ignored and lead to the user being blocked. Thank you for understanding.