PRE-ORDER: Broadway Limited 9902 - ALCo 4-6-6-4 Challenger CSA-2 (DC Silent) Union Pacific (UP) 3817 Post-1947 As-Delivered Front Engine - HO Scale

Pre-Order Due Date:  December 4th 2025

Most manufacturers give a Pre Order ETA which can be seen near the 'add to cart' button. They also give a due date which is indicative of when the product is expected to go into production.

Please note that the software forces us to leave the "In Stock" banner up for the product to be orderable. Any pre order that says "In Stock" is not actually in stock, as denoted by the bigger "PRE-ORDER" banner.

There is a 5% NON-refundable deposit for preorders, this amount will be deducted from the price of the product when it arrives.  You will see how much downpayment is required after adding the item to your cart.

For any pre-order submitted after the due date, we will try our best to fulfill your order, but are at the mercy of the manufacturer and if they produce more than were preordered by their dealers.

Pre-Orders will show a 0 shipping cost now, and shipping will be included on your invoice at time of product arrival.

When the product(s) are available to ship, you will receive an invoice via email and text through Intuit QuickBooks for the remaining 95%. Message and data rates may apply.

Please note that Estimated Arrival Dates can change at any point. Midwest Model Railroad is not responsible for manufacturers delaying production.

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The Union Pacific Challengers were a class of powerful, simple articulated 4-6-6-4 steam locomotives built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) exclusively for the Union Pacific Railroad. Between 1936 and 1943, a total of 105 were constructed. Measuring an impressive 122 feet (37 m) in length and weighing 628,000 pounds (284,800 kg), these locomotives were primarily assigned to freight service across the vast Union Pacific system. However, a select few also hauled passenger trains through the rugged mountain territories of California and Oregon.

Designed specifically for Union Pacific’s demanding operating conditions, the Challengers represented a significant step forward in high-speed articulated locomotive technology. Much of the engineering experience gained from the Challenger program directly influenced the creation of the railroad’s legendary Big Boy locomotives.

The name “Challenger” refers to the 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement: four leading wheels in the pilot truck to guide the locomotive through curves, two sets of six driving wheels powered by a total of four steam cylinders, and four trailing wheels supporting the massive firebox. In essence, each Challenger was two engines operating under one boiler. Prior to their introduction, articulated steam locomotives were generally limited to slower speeds due to design constraints. Union Pacific’s technical innovations broke that barrier, making sustained speeds over 60 mph—unheard of for articulated locomotives on other railroads—routine on their main lines.

In this production run, we are offering multiple era-specific versions: As-Delivered Front Engine, Rebuilt Front Engine, and Integral Cast Cylinder Front Engine. Alongside these historically accurate models, we are also producing three striking fantasy schemes and an unlettered, painted brass version for maximum customization.

All models are available in two configurations: Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC with Smoke, or our Stealth Series—No-Sound, DCC-Ready models with factory-installed speakers. The Stealth Series allows customers to easily install their own 21-pin DCC decoder for a simple “plug-and-play” upgrade.

Industry-Leading Model Features:

• Stealth Series – Model is DCC-Ready out of the box. No sound.
• Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional. Other lights are ON with track power.
• Model comes with 8-ohm speaker installed for easy installation of DCC/Sound decoder.
• Precision drive mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation.
• 5-pole can motor with skew-wound armature
• Handcrafted brass boiler, cab, and tender body, with heavy diecast chassis for increased tractive effort
• Premium caliber painting with authentic paint schemes
• Prototypical lighting with separately controllable headlight, rear light, cab light, and rear emergency lights (where appropriate)
• Factory-installed engineer and fireman figures
• Many separately applied details such as handrails, grab irons, ladders, piping, cab glass, whistle, brass bell, and more
• Equipped with rubber traction tires for increased pulling power
• Recommended minimum radius: 18 inches

**Specifications on this page subject to change.