Athearn is very pleased to announce the pricing, item numbers and expected delivery dates for the next step in steam realism; the Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger. Over five decades of serving the HO scale market has made Athearn uniquely qualified to meet the ever increasing demands of innovation and prototypical fidelity that is required by our every day customer; the HO hobbyist. Delivery of the exquisite Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger will commence in Spring 2004 with a second release of additional road names and road numbers near the end of 2004. Genesis has designed a HO scale model that moves steam realism to the next level. Boiler backhead with printed manual controls Individually applied piping, valves, generators, etc. Correctly operating eccentric cranks Adjustable cab windows Headlights and number boards with directional light change Tender light Five pole, skewed armature motor with two flywheels Pivoting front and rear engines for negotiating 18? radius curves Current pick-up on all driver and tender wheels 8-pin connector plug between loco and tender This stunning reproduction of the 4-6-6-4 Challenger is the result of a focused determination to accomplish one thing: create the finest operating miniature representation of the prototype available. To say Athearn has succeeded would be an understatement. Giving life to all the details are authentic sounds that are channeled through a factory installed DCC and soundboard with speakers. The DCC decoder automatically senses what type of power supply is in use (conventional DC or NMRA compliant DCC) and adapts its functions. The modeler doesn?t have to do a thing. Functions and sounds available to DCC users include: Bell Whistle Water injector Air release Blower hiss Fire box door Lighting direction Coupling Brake squeal Conductor?s voice Sand release Cylinder cock/flange squeal A handheld wireless controller is included for use with conventional DC power supplies. With it, modelers can control six sound functions as well as speed and direction. The Genesis 4-6-6-4 Challenger is available in three Union Pacific road numbers, two Clinchfield numbers, a single D&RGW number and two undecorated numbers. A history and instruction book that includes a handy instruction card for quick reference is also part of the package.