PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

With the increase in available adhesion and tractive effort due to AC-traction technology, an unofficial horsepower race between the two dominant locomotive builders was on.

The SD80MAC was the first EMD locomotive to utilize a V20 engine since the SD45 series. For Conrail, the SD80MACs were the first AC-traction diesel locomotives on the roster. These locomotives became Conrail’s choice for handling long and heavy coal trains on their Pittsburgh and Boston Lines, also over their Allegheny Mountain routes in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and New York.

After the split-up of Conrail in 1999, the SD80MACs went to CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern. Eventually NS traded with CSX to acquire the remaining SD80MACs becoming the sole operator of these models to date.

 

SD80MAC SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Brand new model previously only available in brass

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run

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

• Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes

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

• Coupler cut levers

• Trainline hose

• Full cab interior

• Windshield wipers

• Wire grab irons

• Rubber MU hoses

• See-through cab windows

• Walkway tread

• Lift rings

• Sander lines

• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance

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

• McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible

• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, and precision machined flywheels

• 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 realistic appearance

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

• Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage

 

GENESIS 2.0 FEATURES:

By integrating and pioneering some of the latest model advancements in the industry, Athearn is redefining model fidelity with Genesis 2.0

• Etched, see-through walkway steps

• Illuminated number boards

• Illuminated ground lights

• DCC+Sound models feature dual Sugarcube speakers for optimal sound quality

 

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, proto-freelancing, 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?”

 

 

Chicago and North Western

According to some reports, CNW signed a letter of intent to EMD to order a minimum of 15 SD80MAC’s in mid 1994. Because of the 1995 merger with UP, the order was canceled with the projected delivery to be mid-late 1995. The units, which were to be constructed as an add-on to the Conrail order, were to have been used in pairs on Wisconsin Electric (WEPX) coal trains, and were to have been numbered 8101-8115. Our CNW SD80MACs feature Conrail-style details and are painted in the attractive lightning stripe scheme with Operation Lifesaver logos - “As close to what almost-was as it gets!”

 

CNW FEATURES:

• “What-if” scheme based on CNW’s cancelled OLS AC4400 order

• CNW-type 5-chime horn

• No marker lights

 

 

 

 

Looking for more Athearn SD80MAC Diesel Locomotives? Click here!

 

---