Athearrn ATHG64540 Southern Railway GP39X #4603 Locomotive HO Scale

NEW FEATURES:
All-new LED lighting
Rubber MU hoses for durability
Models equipped with DCC+Sound will have the new 645E3 20-cylinder prime mover recording by SoundTraxx
The effort continues to enhance Athearn Genesis models per customer requests and feedback. There has been a lot of activity behind the scenes; we’re excited to include new features often requested, to the GP39X/GP49 and upcoming Genesis models.

SOU FEATURES:
Late EMD style step wells
Large pointed style anticlimber
Small cab sunshades
Long hood mounted walkway lights
Firecracker antennas
EMD Blomberg M style truck sideframes
3600 gallon fuel tank
GP50 style late corugated radiator grilles with Q-fans
Front and rear mounted 3-chime air horns
Front and rear mounted large plows
Long hood mounted bell
DCC+Sound units feature prototypical long hood forward operation
NS FEATURES:
Models represent units rebuilt from Southern’s GP39X
DCC+Sound units feature prototypical long hood forward operation
LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:
Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
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
Coupler cut levers
MU hoses
Trainline hose
See through cab windows
Full cab interior
Walkway tread
Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
Windshield wipers
Lift rings
Wire grab irons
Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
Sander lines
McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
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 trouble free operation
Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage
SOUND EQUPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE
Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound
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
Many functions can be altered via CV changes
CV chart included in operators manual
PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Built in November 1980, Southern Railway’s six GP39X locomotives were built during a time a transition for EMD–from the Dash-2 series, to the 50-series. These 2,600hp units, powered by a 12-cylinder 645F3 prime mover, were essentially test beds (hence the “X” in their designation) for future medium-horsepower locomotives that would be part of the forthcoming 50-series. While resembling Phase I GP50s at first glance … “tapered” sidesills, “pointed” anticlimbers, rounded blower housing, and tall radiator intakes … these units had only a pair of 48” “Q-Fans” for radiator cooling, as well as revised clean air compartment and engine compartment layouts, in deference to their shorter 12-cylinder prime mover (vs. the 16-cylinder version used in the GP50).

Keeping with Southern Railway practice, these units, numbered 4600-4605, were equipped with 81” tall high short hoods, control stands set up for long-hood forward operation, bell on the long hood end, dual Nathan 5-chime horns, snowplows fore and aft, and walkway safety lights mounted to the long hood, dynamic brake housing, and high short hood.

In 1982, these six units were returned to EMD’s La Grange, Illinois plant for internal mechanical modifications and upgrades, essentially making them “true” GP49s, the medium-horsepower unit EMD cataloged as part of the 50-series. Their horsepower was raised to 2,800hp as a result, and their designation was officially changed to GP49 as well.

As medium-horsepower units, they could be found in a variety of service, from locals to mainline freights. They would continue on in service for Southern Railway’s successor, Norfolk Southern, gaining a coat of “Thoroughbred” black paint in the process, and remaining on their active roster into the early 2000s.

Specifications
DCC: Ready/21-Pin NEM
SOUND: Ready
PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURER: EMD
Axles: 4
LIGHTED: LED Lighting
Minimum Age Recommendation: 14 years
Is Assembly Required: No