Wisconsin Central

WC 6634, formerly MKCX 9511, was built as EL 3656, an “SD45M”. It featured the long frame of the SDP45, but no steam generator; the extra space was used for a large 5000 gallon fuel tank so that the units could run greater distances before refueling.

On the WC, the 6634 came wearing its coat of Helm dark blue, but this was exchanged for the attractive WC maroon and gold scheme, courtesy of the WSOR’s Horicon, WI shops, in 1998. The unit was allegedly a bit of a shop queen, but was a popular target for area railfans due to its uniqueness. When the WC was sold to the CN in 2001, many locomotives were subsequently auctioned off, including the 6634. She was sold to Rail World on 7/11/02 for $17,050 with a bad-order turbo, and subsequently cut up for scrap- the final chapter in her storied 32-year career.

 

WC FEATURES:

• Ex-EL unit

• WC-specific body details on rear

• Updated colors vs prior release

• Operating front and rear ditch lights

• All-weather window

• Removed class lights

• 5000 gallon fuel tank

 

Helm Leasing

HELM Financial Corporation is one of the largest leasing outfits that provides locomotives and freight cars for the railroad industry. With a current fleet of over 850 locomotives, railroads can chose long term and/or short term leases depending on their needs. Their equipment can be seen all over North America providing power where needed.

 

HLCX FEATURES:

• Ex-EL body with short fans

• Removed class lights

• Front ditch lights

• Small front EMD plow

 

 

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

In the 1960s, railroads were looking to replace aging EMD E-units and Alco PAs for passenger service. EMD responded by adding a steam generator compartment to the long hood end of their SD45. This required a longer frame and resulted in the creation of the SDP45. Three railroads originally purchased SDP45s: Southern Pacific, Great Northern, and Erie Lackawanna. Over the decades, the SDP45s were then acquired by other railroads through mergers, leasing companies, and rebuild programs.

 

SDP45 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Flexible rubber trainline hose

• Lift rings

• Sander lines

• Full cab interior

• Flexible rubber MU hoses

• Wire grab irons

• Coupler cut levers

• Walkway tread

• Windshield wipers

• Lit Number Boards & Class lights (if applicable)

• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector

• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance

• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, and breather pipes

• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers

• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain for trouble free operation

• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and 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

• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more

• Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run

• Packaging securely holds 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

 

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

 

LEGENDARY LIVERIES

What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to “What if?” Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, protofreelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and answer the ultimate railroad question of: “What if?”

 

Southern Pacific – Daylight

In November of 1981, Southern Pacific released a one-of-a-kind rebuilt SD45, number 7399. This “SD44R” was fitted with a 16-cylinder prime mover and was painted in an attractive adaptation of the road’s famous “Daylight” scheme. While no other SD44Rs were completed, the unit lasted several years with its special paint. We think that the two SDP45s which kept their steam generators into the 1980s would look great in this scheme as well, heading up an OCS or shipper’s special!

 

SP FEATURES:

• Large Snowplow

• Cab with modified L-window

• Steam Generator

• Bell mounted on cab roof

• Multiple cab vents

• Icicle Breakers

• SP light package at front

 

Order Due Date: September 27, 2024

Anticipated Delivery Date: February 2026

 

Looking for more Athearn EMD SD-40 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!

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