Genesis-series model will be available in road numbers 4349,
4358, and 4360, with the last two having Boxpok main drivers. A
DCC version with factory installed SoundTraxx® Tsunami® sound
will have an MSRP of $399.98. A DCC-ready version will list at
$299.98. The model comes with a class 120-C-6 Vanderbilt-type
oil tender lettered Southern Pacific (prior page). Unlettered ten-
ders as well as a tender lettered for Southern Pacific Lines are
available separately at an MSRP of $89.98.
EMD delivered six GP39X diesel locomotives to Southern
Railway in 1970. Athearn plans to produce a ready-to-run HO
scale version with all of Southern’s characteristic features
including a high short hood, controls positioned for long hood
forward operation, a bell mounted on the long hood end, and
walkway safety lights. Following an extensive upgrade by EMD
in 1982, the GP39X locomotives were re-designated GP49. All
six road numbers (4600-4605) of the Southern GP39X and the
Norfolk Southern GP49 will be produced. DCC-ready versions
of the Genesis series model will have an MSRP of $169.98.
Models with a DCC decoder and SoundTraxx® Tsunami® Sound
will list at $269.98. A release date has been set for July 2014.
Athearn showed a mockup of a GP7u/GP9u diesel with a
Topeka Cab and chopped nose hood at Trainfest 2013. The HO
scale Genesis model is based on a group of several hundred
locomotives Santa Fe upgraded in their Topeka Shops in 1972.
Ken Paterson photo of preproduction models courtesy of Horizon Hobby
News column - 6
MRH-Dec 2013
