PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO

Sensitivity to fuel economy in the 1970’s justified the GP39-2 in EMD’s catalog. It also laid the ground work for EMD to start exploring locomotive designs that utilize engines with larger piston displacement yet posess fewer cylinders. This approach has become the foundation to modern locomotive technology.

In 1983, EMD took this concept to the next step by introducing the GP49. Basically a 12-cylinder version of the GP50, it produced almost as much power as the 16-cylinder GP40-2, with supposedly better fuel economy. The model was not a huge success, with only 9 being sold in the open market, as well as 6 GP39Xs being upgraded to GP49 standards. Interestingly, an SD49 was also cataloged but generated no orders.

GP49 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Coupler cut levers
• Drop steps unless noted
• “Nub” style walkway tread
• Lift rings
• Walkway tread
• Trainline and MU hoses
• MU stands
• Windshield wipers
• Wire grab irons
• Sanding lines
• Lit number boards
• Lit signal lights and/or beacons, if equipped
• Bell placement & type per prototype
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, and breather pipes
• Blomberg-B or Blomberg-M trucks with appropriate bearing caps
• Speed recorder unless noted
• See-through cab windows and full cab interior
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• Etched metal fan grilles
• Air tanks mounted below sill unless noted
• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Accurately painted and printed paint schemes
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
• 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
• Minimum radius: 18”

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

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?”

Norfolk Southern

NS’s fleet of GP49s were rebuilt from the former SOU GP39Xs in 1982. Norfolk Southern retired them in 2001, and they now are owned by Florida Tri-Rail.

NS FEATURES:

• Walkway lights (non-operating)
• Bell mounted on the long hood
• Large snowplow at each end
• Operating class lights
• High short hood
• P-5 horn at each end
• Two Firecracker antennas

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