Athearn has announced new EMD GP39-X/GP-49 Diesel Locomotives

 

The effort continues to enhance Athearn Genesis models per customer requests and feedback. There has been a lot of activity behind the scenes; we’re excited to include new features often requested, to the GP39X/GP49 and upcoming Genesis models.

 

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Built in November 1980, Southern Railway’s six GP39X locomotives were built during a time a transition for EMD–from the Dash-2 series, to the 50-series. These 2,600hp units, powered by a 12-cylinder 645F3 prime mover, were essentially test beds (hence the “X” in their designation) for future medium-horsepower locomotives that would be part of the forthcoming 50-series. While resembling Phase I GP50s at first glance … “tapered” sidesills, “pointed” anticlimbers, rounded blower housing, and tall radiator intakes … these units had only a pair of 48” “Q-Fans” for radiator cooling, as well as revised clean air compartment and engine compartment layouts, in deference to their shorter 12-cylinder prime mover (vs. the 16-cylinder version used in the GP50).

Keeping with Southern Railway practice, these units, numbered 4600-4605, were equipped with 81” tall high short hoods, control stands set up for long-hood forward operation, bell on the long hood end, dual Nathan 5-chime horns, snowplows fore and aft, and walkway safety lights mounted to the long hood, dynamic brake housing, and high short hood.

In 1982, these six units were returned to EMD’s La Grange, Illinois plant for internal mechanical modifications and upgrades, essentially making them “true” GP49s, the medium-horsepower unit EMD cataloged as part of the 50-series. Their horsepower was raised to 2,800hp as a result, and their designation was officially changed to GP49 as well.

As medium-horsepower units, they could be found in a variety of service, from locals to mainline freights. They would continue on in service for Southern Railway’s successor, Norfolk Southern, gaining a coat of “Thoroughbred” black paint in the process, and remaining on their active roster into the early 2000s.

 

LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

► Fully-assembled and ready-to-run

► 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

► Coupler cut levers

► MU hoses

► Trainline hose

► See through cab windows

► Full cab interior

► Walkway tread

► Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance

► Windshield wipers

► Lift rings

► Wire grab irons

► Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes

► Sander lines

► McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible

► 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 trouble free operation

► Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power

► Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage

 

NEW FEATURES:

► All-new LED lighting

► Rubber MU hoses for durability

 

SOUND EQUPPED MODELS FEATURE

► Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound

► 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

► Many functions can be altered via CV changes

► CV chart included in operators manual

 

Order Due Date: January 25, 2019

Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2020

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