Athearn Genesis - HO Scale - EMD GP15-1 - DCC Ready - Chicago & North Western (CNW) #4413 - Green & Yellow w/Cab Side CNW Logo (SKU 141-16625)
Available On: April 1, 2018
By the mid-1970’s, the thousands of first generation locomotives were showing the age after 20 years or so of service. Long since replaced on most Class 1 mainlines, by newer more powerful locomotives, old GP7’s and GP9’s had been reassigned to locals, road switchers, and yard jobs. To extend the life of the locomotives without buying new ones, many railroads had begun rebuilding programs. The GP15 series was introduced by EMD in 1976 as an alternative to these rebuilding programs. As originally conceived, it was intended that old units be traded in and components such as the trucks reused to make the cost comparable to a rebuilt unit. The GP15-1 was a 1,500 horsepower, 4-axle unit using a non-turbocharged 12-cylinder 645 engine. It differed from the rest of the contemporary geeps by having roof mounted radiators and side intakes like the “tunnel motor” locomotives. There were two major external differences in the GP15-1 production. C&NW and Frisco opted for car body air intakes like a GP7, while Missouri Pacific and Conrail chose a central air intake like the contemporary Dash 2 series. Missouri Pacific’s last order replaced the generator with an alternator. In 1982, Chessie System (C&O) acquired a new model, the GP15T. It was similar to the last GP15-1’s with a central air intake and an alternator, but differed by having a turbocharged 8-cylinder 645 engine and dynamic brakes.
The C&NW purchased 25 GP15-1s in June of 1976. This Genesis release features accurate details for the as-delivered C&NW units, including nosemounted gong bell, Western-Cullen beacon, and switch broom (so crews can keep the switch points clean). Most lasted in service until 1992, with several coming under Union Pacific ownership and others being sold to leasing companies.
Features:
DCC w/Sound Features:
Road Specific Features: