In 1966, EMD updated its locomotive catalog with entirely new models, all powered by the new 645 diesel engine. The SD39 had 2,300 hp from a turbocharged V12. The SD39 had the smallest prime mover of the SD locomotives in the EMD catalog. 54 were built for American railroads.

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Features:

• Fully assembled and ready-to-run
• Separately applied wire grab irons
• Separately applied air tanks
• Coupler cut levers
• Rubber MU hoses
• Photo-etch stainless steel windshield wipers
• Fine scale handrails molded in engineering plastic
• Non-sound version features 21-pin NEM DCC plug
• See-through dynamic brake and radiator fans
• Curved radiator fan grab iron
• Exhaust stack
• Frame mounted bell (unless noted)
• Detailed 4000 gallon fuel tank (unless different capacity is noted)
• Flexicoil-C trucks with high or low brake cylinders (per prototype)
• McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers
• Highly-detailed, injection molded body featuring new tooling
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
• See through cab windows
• Bi-directional LED lighting
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup
• 5-pole motor with flywheels and multi-link drivetrain for trouble-free operation
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Window packaging for easy viewing
• Interior plastic blister safely holds the model for convenient storage
• Minimum radius: 18”
• Recommended radius: 22”

DCC w/Sound Features:

• Onboard Econami sound decoder by Soundtraxx
• Engine startup sound sequence
• Dynamic brake sound or Non-Dynamic Straight to idle on F4
• Extra prime mover and horn sounds exclusive to Athearn version Sounds recorded from a real EMD 12-645E3
• Multiple bell sound files user configurable via Configuration Value (CV)
• 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
• Excellent Slow speed control
• Current Keeper ready with on board expansion plug
• Operating lighting functions with F5 and/or F6
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via CV changes

"Primed For Grime Features:

• Duplicated look and feel of “In Service”equipment; “Tattered and Torn” just like the real thing
• Faded base colors matched to the prototype
• Patches applied and shaped per road number matching each corresponding side to the prototype
• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

Road Specific Features:

BNSF continued to use its reliable SD39s in yard and transfer service just as Santa Fe had. The 2300-HP locomotives lasted well into the 2000s before they were sold off to locomotive dealers. Initially, the SD39s were renumbered into the 6200 series, and they would be subsequently renumbered into the 1900 series in the 2000s.

Several of the SD39s were painted into the Heritage I scheme, reminiscent of the colors used by the Great Northern.

One particular unit, BNSF 1914 (formerly the 6204), even received an unofficial “Rocky the Goat” herald on its nose, after the unit had been patched with “GN” on its flanks in anticipation of its upcoming retirement. However, the veteran EMD operated in this guise for several years, providing Great Northern fans with an opportunity to see what a GN SD39 might have looked like.

• Hinged battery box doors
• Rear hand brake
• Illuminated ditch lights
• Spare knuckles on rear pilot
• Large Sinclair antenna on ground plane
• Nathan 3-chime horn mounted on long hood per prototype
• Cab air conditioner painted per prototype
• Rear slug control box installed
• Modeler-installed front slug control box included in poly bag (not installed due to interference with ditch lights)
• Late cut levers with loops
• Etched mirror on fireman’s side
• All-weather window on engineer’s side
• Hinged battery box doors
• Rear hand brake
• Illuminated ditch lights
• Spare knuckles on rear pilot
• Large & small Sinclair antennas on ground planes
• Faded paint to match prototype photos
• Horn placement and orientation per prototype photos
• Era: 2014+