3rd Rail Union Pacific Early Challenger (Oil Burner) #3802, 2R
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A recent arrival. Great looking model from 3rd Rail. I've been late to the 3rd Rail game but I think the ones I have are wonderful models at a great value. Aaron had already posted photos of his 3900 series. This is almost identical except for the oil tender. This is a nice representation of the early challengers.
Union Pacific converted the early challengers to oil burning and in 1944 renumbered the series to 3800s. They stayed that way except for a brief stint back to coal for less than a year before going back to oil again. I try to stay in the 1946-1954 range so #3802 is correct for the period I'm trying to model, however at this stage many of the first group of early challengers had large modified sand domes over the front engine driver set. This particular model, as made, has original sand domes, modified cylinder articulated steam supply pipes, modified pilot that kept original "cow catcher" but added recessed front plate and side steps. Of the actual prototypes this model is a good candidate for renumbering to #3821. The actual prototype that kept this look to the end as far as I can see from dated photo research.
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I'm not sure I'll ever get around to doing it as I'm thrilled to have it, and happy as is. Sorry if the color seems to be off in these photos, I tried different lighting.
Enjoy!
Great job 3rd Rail. (Still hoping you'll reconsider the UP 4-10-2 but as the simple 2-cylinder rebuilt late model 5090-5099 series.)
So I've checked one off the white whale list.
Still looking for:
PSC 17003-1 UP 2-8-8-0 Bull Moose (Late)
OMI 0178 FEF-1 #815 with experimental skyline casing.