Building on a rich tradition started in 1946, the Athearn brand is home to the hobby’s best-loved models. Athearn has brought the joy of model railroading to you for 75 years, starting from our classic ‘Blue-Box” kits to our most recent Genesis 2.0 line. With accurate detailing and painting, Athearn is the brand that any hobbyist is proud to own and operate. No matter your era or favorite railroad, Athearn truly is “Trains in Miniature.”

 

 

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

In 1966, EMD updated its locomotive catalog with entirely new models, all powered by the new 645 diesel engine. The SD39 had 2,300 hp from a turbocharged V12. The SD39 had the smallest prime mover of the SD loco­motives in the EMD catalog. 54 were built for American railroads.

This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article “EMD SD39”; it is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Li­cense (CC-BY-SA). You may redistribute it, verbatim or modified, providing that you comply with the terms of the CC-BY-SA.

 

SD39 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Separately applied air tanks

• Coupler cut levers

• Rubber MU hoses

• Photo-etch stainless steel windshield wipers

• Fine scale handrails

• Non-sound version features 21-pin NEM DCC plug

• See-through dynamic brake and radiator fans

• Curved radiator fan grab iron

• Exhaust stack

• Frame-mounted bell (unless noted)

• Detailed 4000 gallon fuel tank (unless different capacity is noted)

• Flexicoil-C trucks with high or low brake cylinders (per prototype)

• McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers

• See-through cab windows

• Bi-directional LED lighting

• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation

• All-wheel electrical pickup

• 5-pole motor with flywheels and multi-link drivetrain for trouble-free operation

• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track

• Painted and printed for realistic decoration

• Highly-detailed, injection molded body

• Minimum radius: 18”

• Recommended radius: 22”

 

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE

• Onboard Econami sound decoder by Soundtraxx

• Engine startup sound sequence

• Dynamic brake sound or Non-Dynamic Straight to idle on F4

• Extra prime mover and horn sounds exclusive to Athearn

• Sounds recorded from a real EMD 12-645E3

• Multiple bell sound files user configurable via Configuration Value (CV)

• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC

• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode

• Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC

• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode

• Excellent Slow speed control

• Current Keeper ready with on board expansion plug

• Operating lighting functions with F5 and/or F6

• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights

• Many functions can be altered via CV changes

 

PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE:

• Duplicated look and feel of “In Service”equipment

• Faded base colors matched to the prototype

• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

 

 

ATSF FEATURES:

In the mid-1980’s Santa Fe decided to upgrade and extend the lives of their original SD39 fleet. Beginning in 1985 these units were re-manufactured by the San Bernardino CA Shops and reclassified as SD39u’s. They were renumbered into the 1556-1575 number class and were designated as heavy switchers. The upgrades included updated wiring, new controls for hump service, and completely rebuilt engines. They were assigned to Barstow CA and Argentine KS yards, but could be found roaming the system. They were mated to rebuilt six-axle slugs for hump service. Our models include the specific details such as, relocated nose headlight, tall cab-mounted horn, antenna with stand, and front/rear slug MU boxes. Since Santa Fe was known for changing out air conditioners, we included both Prime and Vapor versions.

 

ROAD NUMBER FEATURES:

Tall mounted cab horn, rear brake wheel, Sinclair antenna w/ stand, no plows, nose mounted headlight, special ATSF-style slug MU boxes on each end. Both Prime and Vapor A/C’s included in poly bag.

 

 

 

Looking for more Athearn HO Scale SD-39 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!

 

Looking for more Athearn HO Scale Products? Click here!

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