I have been looking into purchasing a Lionel Lion Master Challenger, but can’t seem to locate opinions/reviews of these units. What can anyone tell me about them? Latest CTT has an advertiser offering these for $599, which is the cheapest offering I have come across so far. Any input would be welcomed.
TBWilson4,
If you found a Lion Master Challanger for $599 you best buy it as you will not regret it. This engine is fabulous. Lionel is a master at selective compression. The width is scale, the height is scale, only the length is compressed. Great sound, whistle is dead on, the engines go in and out of sinc just like the prototupe, and did I mention it will pull a ton of cars.
I have the Delaware & Hudson and run it more then my other TMCC engines. Mine was not a real good smoker as the fan motor was wired reversed. I rebuilt the smoke unit and switched the wires and now it does alright in the smoke catagory
Skip
Train Express had all three for $510.00. Look here they have the N.P. listed but you may call to see if they have any others left. http://www.trainexpress.com/o_gauge/lionel.htm
I almost got one but with Chrismas coming I just couldn’t spend the money.
Sounds like I need to give trainexpress a call. Even with this selective compression, does unit still have a realistic scale look to it? I would like to get a "beast " of an engine without breaking the bank. I remember looking at a K- LIne semi-scale allegheny & it just didnt look right. Quite a bit underscale. Thanks!
I have the Lionmaster BigBoy and it is great. If the Challenger is as good then buy it for that price. It is one of the best locos I have.
Tom S
I have both the K-Line Challenger and the Lionel Lionmaster. The Lionel is definately more massive, and more detailed. I am having the same problem with the smoke unit. When it works the sinc is great, but when it does’nt work, oh well you get my point. I haven’t decided to return it for repairs or do it myself. I would however buy another Lionel. I paid 520.00 new for mine 2 months ago. Check the pic below… The Lionel is the UP Gray under the K-Line Allegheny and Big Boy…Tim
Man… I wanted that UP bad… and for only $510.00 it was hard to resist! I get on my wife all the time about buying things because it was “on sale” .
But my early hobby planing worked, I decided on only 2 road names and these engines were not one of them. And I limited my curves to O36 to keep from buying the larger engines. Yes the Lionmasters will run on O36 but clearance on some spots of the layout also stopped the purchase due to the overhang.
Ummmm… I could modify those few spots…and whats a few hundred more $$$ on an already bloated credit card balance…
I’m sort of hoping I can find one of these in Feb, income tax return time ! [:D]
Well, because of all your input, I took the plunge & contacted Train Express today, and got their last one! From what you’ve all said, it sounds to be a great engine, and that price includes shipping! Now ,how can I sneak it into the house? You guys must all be experts at the old “I’ve always had this engine” story! Merry Christmas!
LAST ONE!??? [:(] Well I guess I should be glad the temptation is gone [:D] now I can go back into Train Express without fear of being $500 lighter [:)]