PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:

Starting in the late 2000s, Union Pacific sent 28 SD60Ms to EMD for a rebuild program. Called SD32ECOs by EMD, the program replaced the existing 710G3A V16 prime mover with an EPA Tier-II-compliant 710G3B-T2 turbocharged V12, with electronic fuel injection. The Union Pacific SD60M carbody retained many of its major components and subassemblies, having them recycled and recertified as equal to new. EMD also installed a completely new control system which is adaptable to both minimum emissions and minimum fuel consumption modes, depending upon the specific locomotives assignment. Classified as an SD59M-2 or or SD59MX by the Union Pacific Railroad, unit numbers 9900-9927 are currently at work on the system.

SD59M-2 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Coupler cut levers
• MU stands
• Windshield wipers
• Wire grab irons
• Flexible trainline and MU hoses
• Walkway tread
• Lift rings
• Sanding lines
• Lit number boards
• Lit ditch lights
• Bell placement & type per prototype
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, and breather pipes
• EMD HTC trucks with animated bearing caps
• Speed recorder unless noted
• See-through cab windows and full cab interior
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• LED Lighting for realistic appearance
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Accurately painted and printed paint schemes
• Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage
• Minimum radius: 18” Recommended radius 22”

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound
• Dual cube speakers for optimal sound quality
• 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
• Precision slow speed control
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box

Union Pacific

Rebuilt with efficient prime movers, the SD59M-2’s are frequently spotted on western rails where their low emissions and fuel economy is favored. The first units were released without the American Flag on their flanks.

UP FEATURES:

• Built from SD60M Phase 2 locomotives
• Newly built flared radiator section
• Extended step guard on Conductor’s side
• New 4500 gallon safety fuel tank
• Windowless nose door

Looking for more Athearn EMD (Electro-Motive Division) SD59M-2 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!