lettering set for C&NW’s 1937 Challenger train

The Challenger service, with it’s low priced seats, 95 cent dinners, and economical travel, became one of the most successful trains in the history of train travel. Initiated in May 1936 as an all heavy-weight train, it continued until 1957, primarily by the SP and UP. The C&NW, not to be left out, in July 1937, ordered and received light-weight passenger cars with 15, 48-seat chair cars - numbered 6132-6147, and 7, 56-seat chair cars with a nurses room - numbered 6160-6166. These operated as part of the Challenger consist between Chicago and Los Angeles with the UP, and between Omaha and San Francisco with the SP. Challenger service terminated in late 1947 with all three railroads, but was later reinstated in 1952 with all new consists in UP color scheme. In October 1955 the C&NW dropped from the Challenger service in a dispute over fare sharing. (to be replaced by the Milwaukee Road)

Paint & Lettering: Cars were painted with Pullman Green (DuPont 88-5502), imitation gold (DuLux yellow DuPont 95-020) lettering with 4 imitation gold stripes on the side, the red Challenger script and a black (Dednox FL #32) roof. Trucks and under-frame black.

Decal set designed and created at Protocraft Decals
Printed by Microscale Industries