Challenger Imports Union Pacific 49’er

By | Feb 1, 2023
5D3_0282-Edit I love the steam streamliners!

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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.

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Challenger Imports is sadly no longer in business, but their wares trade on the second-hand market quite regularly.

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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.

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This one will eventually get the drivetrain overhaul, DCC upgrade and LED lighting.

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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.

5 Comments so far
  1. Joel Dethlefs March 16, 2014 8:04 am

    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

  2. rcgrabbag March 16, 2014 3:51 pm

    Sounds like a pretty good price. I paid more for mine.

  3. jarrin June 2, 2015 5:06 pm

    How much for the 49r steam locomotive?

  4. Joel Dee June 2, 2015 5:48 pm

    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

  5. Danielle Ichelson November 6, 2015 11:13 am

    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.

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