New Athearn Challenger Information

I'm getting ready to get an Athearn Challenger. What should I look for to make sure I'm getting the latest technology. I don't want one of the older models. Is there a specific engine number or code. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bill

 

Go to Athearn's website and find a Challenger you like. If the announced date that is listed is from 2009 or newer, it has a Tsunami. Look for the model number on the page and happy hunting!

Alternately, a dead giveaway is that the Tsunami equipped versions do not come with a handheld controller nor is there an empty space in the box for one. Tsunami equipped units will also have a Tsunami quick start flyer in the box. Aside from the handheld controller and the model number, the box itself doesn't have any useful features to tell what is inside as both versions come in a large blue box.

From Athearn's site, here are the model numbers that are Tsunami equipped:

11810
11812
11813
22920
22921
22922
22923
22924
22925

 

UP#3985 with Tsunami is listed under both 11802 and 22923; 11802 was the original MRC version, and 22923 for the Tsunami re-release announced in March 2012 - but Athearn have gone back to using 11802 for another Tsunami equipped run announced in May 2013

Strangely, Athearn are showing 22923 as 'in stock' and 11802 as 'sold out'

 

I imagine that has to be an error of some sort. As you mentioned, they already have a new product number for #3985 with a Tsunami.

 

Stock number 11802 was used for the UP #3985 released in late 2009 (with Tsunami decoder).
I purchased mine in April 2010.

Stock number 22923, UP #3985, was released in early 2013. I purchased mine in June 2013.

They are exactly the same as far as I can tell.
Both 11802 & 22923 have the Tsunami decoder.

 

Thanks Roget, I couldn't remember when the UP #3985 was first fitted with a Tsunami - I bought my first one in 2008 so had the horrible MRC decoder.

Unfortunately that particular Challenger recently had to be consigned to "shelf queen/parts donor"

However, I recently acquired 2 Tsunami fitted Challengers; UP #3964 and another #3895