The Sunset Models HO scale class Z-8 Challenger is a superdetailed brass locomotive that accurately models the Northern Pacific prototype. The HO scale 4-6-6-4 also features a QSI Titan Digital Command Control (DCC) stereo sound decoder. See and hear the Challenger haul a freight train on our club layout.
Video: Sunset Models HO scale Z-8 Challenger 4-6-6-4
By Angela Cotey | July 24, 2013
| Last updated on February 11, 2021
The Sunset Models HO scale Z-8 Challenger includes a QSI Titan Digital Command Control (DCC) stereo sound decoder
As a lad I stood near many of these- although they were the SP&S variant and oil fired. This model's shallow representation doesn't come anywhere near these giants: 1. way too much ambient noise that almost sounds like a 567 chant! 2. The persistent cacophonic choir of steam snorts and mechanical clanking is either totally missing, or being stepped on by this irritating ambient noise. The bell clunks good. The whistle wheezes okay, but it's volume is only about 2% of what a real Challenger shouts- the whistle alone made the ground shake near a trestle! But in all of this pseudo theatre, the main facet is missing: the dramatic clouds of smoke and steam, which was frightening and endless- even when standing still. The heat and throb is not there- one felt cooked like a hotdog when a 4-6-6-4 slowly passed uphill! These personality traits make a locomotive, not a shiny paint job. This is why I model the post-steam era. At least the memories aren't corrupted by today's model manufacturing abilities. Good grief, if I paid over 1200 dollars for a model, it better throb me senseless, smoke up the entire layout, and melt me like a styrene figurine! Now, all this would be quite a challenge for this Challenger- which only belongs on a display shelf- or for the young boys who really don't know what beasts they were!
very very great
A beautiful locomotive. The sound didn't sound that great. I don't think it would fit on my layout. Too big, but I like it overall.
I would be sore tempted to buy the "stealth" version and put a Tsunami decoder in. I was really not too thrilled by the sounds I heard in the video, in particular the bell, whistle and "chuff" sounds. Makes one wonder why there are two speakers. Other than that, this is a beautiful model than any NP fan would be proud to own. Just wondering if a change in decoders might increase the speed.
Agree with all said. Maybe the video start up was the problem. (Perhaps a huge problem) The sound system was pathetic. Strike two? Sounded like all steam hissing and little chugging and puffing. The metal work was beautiful. The price is high if the sound system could be fixed or altered, it would be worth it.
I have to agree that the sound system is not the greatest. The price is a huge bit out of my price range at over $1,200.00. The locomotive is very impressive and I would love to see one more in my price range of around $350.00. Keep working fellas and one day you'll get there.
Having a 2-8-2 mikado from Sunset I am impressed. Not to hot on the dual speakers tho. Sounded like one trying to override the other. Still a great loco.
Start up seems jumpy , or maybe it's the video ?
Too big for my layout , though a nice engine .
My layout would handle this little beastie but knowing its top speed is 20 mph below its prototype would bother me. However, I enjoyed the article.
love the look, some of the sounds. I will have to expand a few corners to use it, but that's what building is all about ! Keep 'em rolling !!
Nice locomotive not too sure about the whole two speakers thing. I grew up and was taught with an audio expert on speakers and mabey it's just because of the poor microphone quality but to me it sounded like it had one channel recording playing from both speakers instead of a left and right channel like a real stereo. Hopefully this locomotive sounds better in real life until then I'm not sold. Sorry Sunset. Good job on the other hand with the review Otte ever since the first Cody's Office I think your guys's editing and producing skills have increased impressively!
Nice model. Starting speed seem to be to fast.
Wonderful loco!
nice challenger!!!!!
I like what I see in general and wish I had the space for something like it, yet Karl Bonds old 0-4-0 rebuild on the other video speaks more to me. Somehow this reminds me of a parade ground soldier, while the 0-4-0 is like the grizzled veteran in the trenches.