Price: $5,500.00USD

Versions Offered: 8

Production Quantity: 100

2/05/12 - The project development and production information that I have shared in the past on this web site has been extremely popular with both owners and general enthusiasts alike and it will continue now as time allows, despite the unethical use by other importers. Some of what will be shared will not be explained in detail for obvious reasons, at least at this point in time.

Shown immediately below is an advanced stage of development for our hollow-core Box-pok style driver centers. This new 'first' for O scale modeling has been mentioned previously on several occasions and 3D modeling information has been shared, but now you can see the first concrete examples of the technology. This is a process not likely to be duplicated by any other builder since it relies on a combination of multi-axis machine center machining, Rapid Prototyping technology and a unique knowledge of casting techniques. Mr. Lee's in-house application of these capabilities and his desire to be the very best builder possible again drove him to rise to the challenge I presented. When combined with our new wheel profile specification, there will be nothing closer to the prototype in the hobby, regardless of scale.

The next series of photos will show the meaching process used to produce the mainframe rails for our Challenger. As most modelers are aware, the typical O scale steam locomotive model uses a folded metal channel as a frame with cutouts for axle placement and attaching other details. Being the backbone of the model, this is where we start in differentiating our models from the toy train type of construction other use. In a perfect modeling world, our models would have cast frames like the prototypes. Having experimented with miniature cast frames, it was determined that they were not commercially acceptable from a cost perspective, but we have not given up on this concept for future projects.

What we have done beginning with our first project is to use fabricated brass frames assembled from main frame rails and prototypical cross members. Wire cutting machines (EDM) were originally used to cut the main rails and the cross members were cast. Like most other aspects of our projects, this process has evolved to a much more sophisticated approach. The first photo below shows a series of Challenger main frames being cut on a CNC machining center to achieve the most precise dimensioning and hole placement possible. This process is certainly more expensive, but it is deemed a worthwhile investment to achieve the consistency and uniformity that we want with our projects. I urge you to compare how other importers/builders are developing their models and see if they are comparable in ways other than price.

The view below shows the fine and uniform finish provided by the machining process. You can also see the precise hole placement to the right of the cutouts in the frames.

In this photo you can gain a sense of the amount of work and high quality brass that is required to produce 100 models for our production.

Another view showing the remnants of material that is left after as many frame rails as possible have been cut from the brass sheets. The remnants will be recycled in an effort to save on cost as much as possible. All of the raw materials are either brought in from the United States or Japan to ensure uniform material quality.

11/30/11 - The production of the next postal update for Challenger reservation holders is nearly complete and I will advise when it is actually delivered to the post office for mailing. This new update will be the first to feature photos from the final production process, this material has been accumulating and I have chosen to start sharing it with our future owners since I am so proud of the work that Mr. Lee at S.J. Models is doing. Although there is still concern about other importers or builders gleaning information from what I choose to share, what I will show is more about the process rather than the exact details developed from our research. The work we are doing is so unique by comparison to the efforts of others that I do not know of any other builder capable enough or equipped well enough to do the work and it is exciting! Some of what will be in the mail update will be shared on this page, but not all, at least in the immediate future.

11/12/11 - As mentioned in the general news update, there will be individual project updates going out to reservation holders near term, there are a number of issues to discuss and I will be working to get those out as quickly as possible. There have been a number of major developments with this project since the last update, some of which will be shared here. I'll be posting a bit at a time since there are other projects to update and production support takes precedent at this point so our projects keep moving.

Shown below are renderings of the 3D design files for the Challenger driver centers. As you may remember if you have been following this project, it has been our plan to produce the first hollow-core drivers to make them as prototypical as possible, the designs below are the culmination of that effort. The design would have been complicated enough just considering the hollow-core design, but again as you may remember, it was decided to go with scale profile wheels on this model for the very first time. With past projects we have always concentrated on incorporating scale dimension counterweights, which we are doing again, but there has always been a compromise in not being able to model the visible hollow areas of the driver centers, particularly with Boxpok design centers, until now that is.

This is just a further example of Mr. Lee's dedication to building the finest models possible. Given the 'nudge' and support to do something for the first time, he has always responded and quite frankly enjoys being the best at what he does. This is a prime example of why we now see other importers, who shall remain nameless, trying to 'nose' their way into S.J. Models to have models produced. The type of work that Mr. Lee is capable of is the benefit of working with the same builder for almost twenty-five years now, instead of shopping my projects around to the low bidder. You will always know where my models are being produced and with great pride, although never as fast as any of us would like!

The designs are shown below in their running order on the locomotive, from front to rear on both engines. Even more now than ever before, I will be holding many details of our production close at hand due to the ethical environment that persists within our industry. I will continue sharing information that will provide a degree of insight into just how serious we are about this and all of our projects, but in no way do I want to support the unethical approach other importers choose to take. I know very well that this is a frustrating situation for my owners; I very often hear the frustration expressed that 'such and such' importer is proudly promoting the fact that they offering 'new' features, all of which we have been providing for years. While imitation is the greatest form of flattery, I do understand their sense of frustration.

Stay tuned, I'll try to keep the follow of information moving!

8/09/11 - There has been some concern from a couple of reservation holders that they had not received the postal update mentioned in the previous update on this page and I should have addressed this sooner. The planned update was postponed or delayed pending my next visit to Korea which was suppose to happen in advance of this update so I could provide the latest information possible. The next Korea visit will happen shortly and immediately following that trip the next postal update will be mailed out to all concerned. My apologies for the delay and needless apprehension.

6/29/11 - Good progress continues on our Challenger project and what has transpired since my last postal mail update will be communicated in the next update to reservation holders that will be in the mail in the next few days. Unfortunately the partial information blackout continues on this project site as a result of the other importers that prefer to feed off of our research and information rather than developing their own. While I certainly regret the delays that we have faced, there are no doubts that this project will represent our finest effort to date as well it should based on our past record of accomplishment with our projects.

3/05/11 - Just a brief note of thanks to all that have offered great feedback in response to the last project update for our Challenger project, the enhancements really will make it a special model. I really do appreciate the time and effort invested in providing your thoughts and insights regarding the effort that is going into this project, despite the delays.

Something that was not mentioned in the update is the effort that is going into having the best and most durable lighting possible. Up until this project, I had used a supplier in country to deliver the light bulbs that we use, because of their consistent and relatively durable performance. In the last several months that supplier lost their offshore manufacturing arrangement and was left to develop a mew resource for their product line. All factors considered, I decided that it was time to have my own light bulbs produced to specification. Light bulbs have been the only component used in our models that was not purpose built or manufactured, with this new effort that will change. Every component in our Challenger will now be a unique part for our production puzzle. Not knowing much until now about light bulb production, except that I need the end result to burn for a long time to put it simply, it has been a real crash course education about what it takes and costs to produce quality bulbs. With this new arrangement I will be offering appropriate replacement bulbs for all of our models at very reasonable prices. Prior to this arrangement, the retail cost of a bulb for a marker light had risen to $2.95 each!

2/17/11 - The new printed update is in the mail for Challenger reservation holders. It was held back a bit to confirm a couple situations following my visit to Korea that are mentioned in the update. Some of the basic information in the update will be posted on this update page once reservation holders have had a chance to get their updates.

1/25/11 - Reservation holders will be receiving a new printed update for the Challenger project next week. The update will highlight some of the new technologies and materials that are being used to create the finest locomotive project to date. If there is one model that can better our C&O H-8, it will be our UP Challenger. Although this project is taking longer than planned or desired, there are side benefits to the circumstances and the update will explain. There will also be an important announcement affecting some reservation holders, so pay close attention to your update when it arrives.

One final note in this update; I will be posting what is for me is a very exciting development regarding our UP 'Big Boy' project, which also has implications for the Challenger and our projects in general. I suspect that a number of modelers, Kohs model owners and non-owners alike will be enthused about the upcoming announcement. Watch for the information on the Big Boy project update page.

1/14/11 - A new printed update will be going out to reservation holders following the upcoming visit to Korea. This will provide the most current information regarding the development of the project.

2/03/10 - I am overdue in sharing some of the information that was provided to reservation holders in the last printed update, so the following is part of that information. As I have explained previously, I have been limiting the type of information I have been sharing on this project, but what I am showing here are developments that those importers looking to produce Challenger models of their own will not likely follow anyway due to the design requirements and cost associated with them. Part of this information has also been shown in the 'Technical' section of the site to help explain why one model is better than another for anyone interested in value and quality.

Shown immediately below is an example of an O scale Challenger model produed prior to our project, the builder/importer is not important. This model is being shown to illustrate how Kohs & Company has advanced the state-ot-the-art in brass models in general and specifically with our Challenger. There are many factors to compare with this example, but I would like to focus only on the firebox area of the model in this example. This sample illustrates what has been the common practice among the most prolific builders and remains so today except with mine.

To begin with, the firebox sheeting is ill shaped, lacking any of the prototypical contours. The front corners are modeled as square corners which is not even close to being correct, again, most models are produced in this manner. The staybolt detail is etched in place and lacks the correct shape, size and is totally missing on the front lower section. The firebox is the most often overlooked and under developed area of models, look at some of your non Kohs & Company models to see how they compare with prototype photos.

The photo below was taken of our first Challenger sample model, additional detail has been added to and corrected on subsequent versions. Compare the same areas referenced above and see if you notice any differences. For example, our sheeting has the correct contours, we replace etched detail with punched and cast detail that is individually applied in many cases. I have chosen not to draw comparisons of functional details in favor of concentrating only on the basic design features.

The next photo is a close-up taken of the same area of our sample. In the closer view you can clearly see that the staybolt detail not only has the correct shoulder shape and contour, with the Challenger using clear-vue style staybolts, you can see the recessed channel properly indicated in the center of the staybolt heads. The other types of larger staybolts are individually applied using unique castings. The washout plugs shown in the photo are also individually applied castings. The extensive hand labor required to create this detail contributes greatly to the cost of our models, but you'll notice that the price differential between Kohs & Company models and those from other importers has diminished significantly even though they do not offer this same level of labor intensive detail.

In recent months I have discussed in some detail our move to scale wheel profiles from the profile specifications I created almost twenty years ago and the fact that the NMRA adopted essentially that same standard last Fall. The illustration below shows a comparison of the long standing code 175 (black) to what Kohs & Company has used from the beginning (red), which the NMRA is now supporting, and to our true scale profiles (blue) that will be used on the Challenger models and all others in the future. We have done extensive testing to date and it will continue until the production of this project is complete. We have learned more about functional design in this effort than I can begin to explain. There have been some surprises and many of the factors I considered back during the development of our 145 standard have carried over, but more on that in future updates.

More information will be shared in coming updates as I determine what information will not compromise our current efforts. It has been interesting to hear from some customers that at least one other importer is touting new innovations on upcoming models, seemingly all things we have done previously or currently have planned, thus my concern with fueling the efforts of others.

9/19/10 - After hearing from a couple of customers that they were concerned that they have not received their updates, I checked with the service that was processing the mailing. I found that the mailing had not been handled as quickly as promised which accounts for the delayed delivery. I know that several people have received their copies, so I believe everyone should have their copy during this coming week, including the international deliveries. My apologies for this unforeseen delay, it won't happen again since the service will not be used again. By all means let me know if you do not receive your copy for later this coming week.

9/12/10 - Over the course of the next several days I will be sharing some of the information provided in the most recent printed project update which has gone out to reservation holders. My desire is to provide as much information as possible without compromising our investment of time, effort and money. There have been two Challenger projects announced by others subsequent to this project and there is little doubt that should either of those projects prove to be viable, the information they obtain from this site would be otherwise undeveloped.

7/31/10 - I am happy to be able to finally advise that an update is being processed and will be sent out to all reservation holders for our Challenger project over the next handful of days. As soon as the printing is complete and the mailing processed it will be on the way. The update is long overdue, but it has been most important to pursue our ongoing development to be able to supply the latest information. Much of what has been posted on the general update page regarding scale wheel profile dimensions is applicable to the Challenger project since it will be the first project affected by the developments. A complete briefing on the issues involved are included in the Challenger update.

I must reiterate that several new reservation holders have been concerned about not receiving their confirmation letters for new orders, I have to admit that I have fallen beyond on this, but it will be caught up this week. Travel commitments for production and research have again taken their toll on the paperwork! I do appreciate your patience.

More photos are coming shortly.

4/09/10 - A question came up in the last few days about whether or not our Challenger utilizes hollow main axles like the prototype, the easiest way to answer if with the photo below. I had not realized that the photos already posted do not clearly show this feature so it was best to post a new photo.

It may also be of interest that I am using our Challenger sample model in our technical pages to illustrate some of the construction techniques used with out models. Making comparisons to previously produced models is the easiest way to explain how we are improving our rendition of like prototypes. Some of this same information will be featured in our reservation update.

3/01/10 - Just to clarify the situation regarding the use of scale wheelsets on this project, before any final decision is made, all reservation holders will be consulted in writing. I do not want there to be any surprises for our future Challenger owners, so it is only fair to allow for input from all concerned. The feasibility of this addition to the Challenger project is currently under review in Korea.

There have also been several inquiries about whether the model shown in some of the new photos is a new sample, it is in fact a different model. The previous sample has been used for mechanical testing and development, including the scale wheel evaluations.

2/09/10 - I have already had numerous inquiries about the possibility of including the prototypical wheelset specifications in the production of the Challenger, that was somewhat anticipated quite frankly. The main issue to be considered is timing, how long it will take to finalize our testing and then moving those parts to production. It may not be possible simply from a timing perspective, but I will take a serious look at the possibility. Since this is a new development since reservations were started, if there are any reservation holders that would prefer that this not happen, please let me know and that will certainly be taken into account.

Some additional reference resources have been added to the project Reference Page, these new volumes provide a great perspective on many of the changes that were made to the Challengers through their service life. The books are available directly from the Union Pacific Historical Society.

2/02/10 - During the last several weeks I have been finishing up the rail testing and tweaking as those components head toward final production. As part of that testing I used a complete set of wheelsets utilizing prototypical tire profiles. As I had mentioned in one of my previous general updates, the new profile standards adopted by the NMRA are what we have been using for almost twenty years so it seemed that it was time to improve further. The results experienced so far on four different layouts has been surprisingly good with very little tweaking required. The 'tighter' standards of prototypical dimensions certainly will highlight any irregularities in trackwork, but with reasonably good track the operation has been great. It is doubtful that we will use these spec's for the Challenger main production since they were not part of what our reservation holders had committed to at the outset. It is likely that we will begin to use the prototypical spec's beginning with our Norfolk & Western class 'A'. In the meantime, I will be gathering more track experience with our test 'mule' leading to our finalized specifications.

I have received numerous comments regarding the graphics to be used on our Challenger, apparently a lot of people have seen earlier comments regarding the inaccuracy of previously offered models. We are using the same graphics patterns that were used for our Union Pacific 'type' project and also the appropriate colors. As previously mentioned, the graphics on almost every Union Pacific model I have seen, regardless of scale, have been incorrect. Fear not, we got it right the last time and will do so again with our Challenger.

12/07/09 - The latest project update for our Challenger project is in production now and will be mailed out to all reservation holders as soon as it is ready. The update will highlight new developments and processes being used to make our Challenger truly a state-of-the-art-model. The dissection that our sample model underwent during the show in Switzerland was very helpful in highlighting some of the unique characteristics that have been developed in our model. Not everything was taken at face value during our discussions, the use of prototype drawings, scale drawings and builder's photos was very beneficial in proofing our project design. Modelers at the show were very surprised at the amount of reference material available while traveling and attending the show. Discussing the project development is definitely the fun part of the process. The new update information will be posted to our project site as soon as time allows.

9/28/09 - The reservation account updated statements were mailed several days ago, if you have a reservation for our Challenger project and have not received your update, please let me know right away. More photos of the project development will be posted very soon.

8/25/09 - Just a brief update to advise that reservation holders will be receiving updated statements in the next few days. These statements will reflect the incremental payments made. A further project update will be posted shortly.

7/06/09 - I have received a number of inquiries regarding the payments reservation holders are making, specifically expressing concern about whether I have received the payments or not, because checks have not been cashed to date. Fear not, the payments will begin to be processed this week and new statements will be sent out confirming your payments. Thank you to all of you that have made your timely payments!.

6/15/09 - Just a brief update to advise our project reservation holders that the first project update has been mailed along with the incremental payment request. The project update will be posted to the web site once our reservation holders have had an opportunity to see their copies first. The second project update is already in the works as it is a continuation of the first. Once there has been ample time to 'digest' the first update, the second will be mailed out.

5/18/09 - We have made some further updates to the Challenger project site, we now have representative photos of all the versions we are producing linked to the project information page. We will be posting more development photos next as we work through the entire site with our updating process.

4/20/09 - Although our web updates are behind, the development work on our Challenger project has continued at full speed. A printed update that will be mailed to all reservation holders is almost complete and should be in the mail within the week. We will highlight elements of our research efforts both in the printed update as well as on the web site as time allows. The resources that we have had available with this project are almost too numerous which is a great situation to be in, but surprisingly it makes the work even more difficult and time consuming as we try our best to incorporate every shred of material we have in making this project as accurate as we possibly can. While considering the research material we have, we have had to rethink some of the details between different versions as the historic 'picture' has come into better focus. We'll do out best to explain more fully in the coming days. We have been planning on sharing a lot of the photos from our research trips for this project, but we have again been put into a situation where another individual has announced an O scale Challenger project so we have to decide how much assistance we'll lend by placing valuable data on our site. Whether the new announcement is a serious effort or not, we have to take seriously the lack of business integrity present on the business side of O scale modeling. We will do our best to get as much information to you as possible without compromising our effort.

12/05/08 - We have continued to push the design envelope on this project, in every direction possible! Part of the process has been to look back at past projects and not only our own, to see what the weak design and points of detail have been. This effort stems from our continuing commitment to make each and every project we do better than our last. The water connecting hoses between the locomotive and tender are items that have never been correctly modeled, at least to our knowledge. Shown below are samples of the corrugated hoses that will be supplied with our Challenger models. The corrugated appearance of the prototype hoses comes from the wire spring-like structure inside the hose which keeps it from collapsing from the suction exerted by the feedwater pump in bringing fresh water forward to the boiler. These hoses are very similar to those used in the cooling systems of many automobiles.

We are developing several sizes and they will be used where ever they are appropriate. We have several other development 'firsts' in store for this project so keep checking back for further details as we push forward. We will also be posting more construction and development photos very soon.

10/09/08 - We have processed the orders to date for our Challenger project and the confirmation letters are on the way. This has been the fastest selling project to date with approximately 75% of the models already spoken for. We will be posting new photos of detailing being developed for this project which has never been done before and it will serve as an example that no effort is being spared in the development of this project. The process is particularly exciting, because this prototype and resulting model are so fantastic in appearance. This will be a 'must have' companion piece for our UP 4-12-2 and of course our future 'Big Boy' as well as a new project that will be announced shortly.

9/10/08 - We have begun to process the reservations and will be mailing confirmation letters very soon. Just a brief reminder to those that have called to arrange for a reservation, the reservation is not complete until we have received your reservation deposit. We will certainly hold your reservation for a reasonable length of time to allow for sometimes uncertain mail delivery. We have also begun the process of posting prototype images illustrating the model versions that we have chosen to produce. We will be adding images as quickly as we identify and process them for inclusion. Our online updates for this project will begin to come more frequently and we will be sharing as much development information as possible without giving away our many days and hours of research to our competitors.

8/13/08 - The response to this project has been very gratifying, less than a month into the reservation process approximately 60% of the models have already been reserved. We had thought that our Allegheny project would have been the highest demand project that we would ever have except for maybe the 'Big Boy', but the Challenger project is running far ahead of any project to date in terms of reservation demand. We offer our sincere thanks for the continued interest in and support of our projects! There will be new update photos posted shortly after our next visit with Mr. Lee our builder.

7/14/08 - The project brochures and reservation order forms are in the mail...........finally! If you are an existing customer you will be receiving your information shortly. If you are not an existing customer and would like to receive the information, make sure that we are aware of your interest. The project version information has also been posted to this project site. Since our last update we paid a visit to Challenger number 3977 in North Platte, Nebraska. 3977 is one of two Challengers still in existence, the other being 3985 which is operated by the Union Pacific in excursion service. In future updates we'll share some of the information and photos from our visit which proved to be a well spent couple of days.

6/01/08 - A collection of photos of the first sample model for this project have been posted and more will be added as the production continues. The versions have been finalized after great deliberation, again we were surprised by the vast differences between production orders and that certainly complicated the decision making process. There will be a total of nine (9) versions including early and late coal-fired (two versions of each based on production orders), early and late-oil fired, a two-tone gray passenger paint scheme version (yellow stripes), the L-97 Rio Grande and of course Clinchfield E-3 versions. a more detailed explanation of the versions will be posted shortly and it will highlight the main detail difference between versions which are many.

There have been a great number of inquires as to whether or not we would be offering a '3985' excursion version and that had been considered due to the number of inquiries. We ultimately came to the conclusion that '3985' as it exists today would require building a totally unique variation of the Challenger and that did not seem justifiable. '3985' came out of her original service as a coal-fired locomotive and it was converted to oil in the 80's. The conversion was not done in the same manner as the original 'oilers' in terms of visible detail and does not offer the same level of sophistication as the originals, she was quite frankly cobbled together out of available parts and using some major one-off purpose built components. Our goal as usual is to model the prototype class as closely as possible to the way it served it's owners and the current '3985' really does not fit that purpose.

Further postings will start coming at a more regular pace now so watch closely if this is a project of interest for you.

5/22/08 - Just a brief update to advise that the versions for this project have been finalized, the project brochures are being printed and the reservations will start as soon as the material is ready to send out. Approximately forty new photos will be posted to this site in the next couple of days along with the version information and details. As it always seems, what started out as a pretty straight forward project has become very complicated in terms of getting the versions and variation correct, this will be come more apparent when you have a chance to review what we are offering. Check back soon for the details!

5/04/08 - After many delays in moving forward, the reservation process for this project will start this month. We had been holding off hoping that the economic conditions and exchange rate situation would improve so we could optimize the pricing for the project, but as I have often been heard to say, it is what it is at this point. I know that many customers and potential new customers have been very frustrated waiting to get reservations in, this promises to be a project of even higher demand than our 'Allegheny' project which is difficult to imagine, but very exciting for us at the same time. Even though we have not started the reservations, we have been developing the project and we anticipate a delivery late this year. It has been difficult to decide exactly when to start the reservation process because we have been actively working to shorten the time between a customer placing a reservation and delivery of the models, but it seems that there is just as much anxiety with waiting to get reservations in! One thing is for sure, we will continue to deliver the best models possible as the first priority and then do it as quickly as we possibly can. Our updates should be up to a more regular 'pace' at this point so check back frequently for the latest news regarding our 'Challenger'.

More sample model photos will be posted to this site shortly.

7/01/07 - Our updates on this project have fallen way behind, but it will start to catch up along with all of our other project sites. Just because we have not been posting inform ration does not mean that we have not been busy with the project. Check out the photo below and see if you can determine what makes this a most significant development in O scale modeling technology. This is only part of what has been going on with this project and we will strive to bring you up to date as quickly aa we can. We are nearing the official offering period so it is important that you have the latest information prior to the start of the reservation process.

1/23/07 - Our Union Pacific Challenger sample model has been completed and will be shown for the first time at the Nurnberg Toy Fair starting next week in Germany. Following the Toy Fair, the sample will be shown in Santa Clara, California at O Scale West and then of course at the March Meet in Chicago in mid March. Additional details regarding versions and features will be released near term. We are extremely excited to be adding to our Union Pacific roster.

12/03/06 - Shown below is our sample model photographed while still in Korea having the initial finishing touches put on it. A full series of photos will be completed when the model arrives in our shop in the next couple of weeks. Additional development photos of the sample model in process will be added to this project site in the next few days so check back in the near future.

12/27/06 - The photo above has been updated as of this date. We will be posting new information in the next few days regarding the versions of the Challenger that we are proposing to build. We anticipate producing at least five versions of this prototype, if there is one of particular interest to you please let us know so we can be sure to give it due consideration.