This is a first for the Athearn Ready To Roll line. This retooled model now will be available in DCC Ready and factory installed DCC w/Ready To Roll Sound by Soundtraxx Tsunami versions. This offers the modeler the option of a mid-range DCC w/Sound equipped locomotive at a mid-range price. These models slot in nicely between the standard Ready To Roll units and the high end Genesis line.

Introduced in 1966, the six axle EMD SD40 replaced the SD35 in the EMD lineup. It featured the new 645 prime mover and shares many of the same parts as the SD38, SDP40 and SD45 locomotives. The biggest difference was the horsepower rating of the locomotives. In the case of the SD40, the 645 was a 16 cylinder turbocharged unit of 3000 horsepower

The SD40 was very successful with over 1200 built before it was replaced with the second generation diesel SD40-2 in 1972. Between the SD40 $ SD40-2, just about any railroad in North America has operated this class of locomotive at one point or another. Today many examples of this locomotive remain in service and with various rebuild programs, it is certain that examples of this locomotive will remain in service for years to come.

Features:

• All-New tooling
• Sound equipped version also available
• Fully assembled and ready to operate
• Molded Celcon handrails and wire grab irons
• Sliding cab windows
• Detailed plastic fuel tank with correct capacity
• Correct handbrakes and truck sideframes where appropriate
• See-through fans
• Directional headlights
• With or without dynamic brakes
• Razor-sharp printing and painting
• McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers
• Machined nickel-plated and blackened metal wheels
• Many separate injection molded, lost wax or photo-etched parts
• Many new options available, such as alternate noses, numberboards, rear headlights, grilles, dynamic brakes, truck sideframes, air reservoirs, battery box doors, etc. Several offered in plastic for the first time
• Many railroad-specific details
• DCC Ready units are QuickPlug equipped with NMRA 8-pin and 9-pin DCC plugs
• Sound units feature DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound and operate in both DC and DCC
• Minimum radius: 18"
• Recommended radius: 22"

Reservations Due By: August 21, 2014

Expected Release: April 2015