Aster Hobby Co Inc and the North American distributor, Aster Hobby USA LLC are working closely on a new model for 2012 – the Union Pacific ‘Challenger’ type 4-6-6-4 locomotive. This will be the next US Aster prototype project.
The projected target price for the ‘Challenger’ Kit is similar to the recent Aster AD60 Garratt kit. A price for a Factory built-up ready to run version has not yet been established. Clearly Foreign Exchange variations will need to be kept in mind..
Pilot models are shown here. 
The model will feature alcohol firing, Piston valve cylinders,working cylinder drain cocks on all four cylinders, battery powered headlight, and all the usual features of current Aster locomotives. A passenger version (grey with yellow lining) will also be produced in addition to the usual black and silver livery.
The selected production locomotive will be Union Pacific ‘Challenger’ No. 3985 in black, as preserved today in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A black undecorated version will also be available so you could decorate your locomotive in Rio Grande or Clinchfield livery, these two Railroads having used the same ‘Challenger’ design as the Union Pacific. The grey UP Passenger (or Greyhound version) will be engine # 3977.
Please talk to Aster Hobbies (UK) if the Aster UP Challenger is for you!
Prices to be advised
A video of the prototype can be seen here.
