Rivarossi Challenger and Bigboy

Any help or tips on where I could find info on purchasing an N Scale Rivarossi Challenger#3985.

Second of all , any hints where I could find some info on what decoder if
possible, is available for the Rivarossi 4-8-8-4 Big Boy ???

Any help would be appreciated,

Scott
Az.

These engines are long out of production items and are no longer available through distributors.There are Big Boy’s showing up on eBay from time to time and Challengers are even fewer.And since they go to the best offer,you better be ready to bid quite heavy,meaning $450+ for a BB and $350+ for a Challenger.I’ve seen a BB go for $611.00 U.S. about a month ago.And since you’re specific about the number,your chance of having your loco show up are pretty dim.Good luck.

I’m presently installing a decoder in my “N” Big boy.Fairly easy as the loco doesn’t have any circuit board and the functions are limited(motor power and light) but you can’t install any decoder on-board the loco(no room).My problem is that I haven’t found the way to open the tender as it seems to be molded in a single plastic piece.I believe that any wired decoder that will fit the tender will do the job fine,as long as it can handle the loco’s current draw.I’ll be happy to discuss this with you if you will,my email is in my profile.

Thx for the Reply, I am just wondering where to start and what type of Manufacturer or instructions might possibly be available.
I will E-mail you if I find anything else out !!!