PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Introduced in 1995, the EMD SD90MAC was intended to become that builder’s most-powerful single-engine diesel locomotive. The new locomotive was to use EMD’s newly-developed 265H prime mover, featuring 6000 horsepower. However, this engine was experiencing technical problems in development, which led to the first groups of locomotives being delivered with the EMD 710G prime mover of 4300 horsepower (the intent being to retrofit these with the more-powerful 265H at a later date). Ironically, the technical problems with the 265H were never fully resolved, and no conversions were done. The 710G-engined SD90MACs outlasted their later 265H cousins in service by a wide margin, with some units only recently having been retired or sold by Union Pacific, and other railroads choosing to rebuild them for continued service.

The Athearn Genesis SD90MAC features all of the cutting-edge detail and operational features that are expected by discerning modelers: Working number boards and ground lights, see-through steps, numerous separately-applied details on the body and underframe, and a heavy die-cast frame for massive pulling power.

 

SD90MAC SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Flexible rubber trainline hose
• Etched see-through steps
• Lit Number Boards & Truck Lights
• Coupler cut levers
• Trainline hose
• Full cab interior
• Windshield wipers
• Flexible rubber MU hoses
• Lift rings
• Sander lines
• See-through cab windows
• Walkway tread
• Wire grab irons
• 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?”

 

 

Order Due Date: July 25, 2025

Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2027

 

Looking for more Athearn SD90MAC Diesel Locomotives? Click here!

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