unit, as well as numerous other unique features including a FIRE
cab, operating deck-mounted ditch lights, and three access doors
to the turbo charger.
BNSF continues to utilize the famous Santa Fe warbonnet
scheme on its SD75I that features an isolated cab, a nose door
on the engineer’s side with window and angled top, and a new
long hood with electrical compartment to compensate for the
shortened cab. A Canadian National SD70 is also in this produc-
tion release which is scheduled for late September. Standard
DC non-sound models, priced at $199.99 each, will be DCC-
ready using Quick Plug™ technology. Sound-equipped versions
have Soundtraxx® Tsunami® DCC decoders and are priced at
$299.98 each.
Also due from Athearn in September is another run of SD40-2
locomotives. The HO scale ready-to- run series models will
have an MSRP of $134.95 each. Road names will include FEC
(Champion Heritage repaint of ex-UP units) with 116” nose, cor-
rugated radiator grilles, 48” fans, and HT-C trucks with Timken
bearings. A BNSF version has an 88” low short nose with ATSF-
style lowered nose lights, and HT-C trucks with Hyatt bearings.
Completing the trio is a Conrail model with an 88” nose and
Flexicoil-C trucks.
Athearn has scheduled the next release of its Thrall high-side
steel gondolas for September. The mix includes two EAMX
Sullivan Scrap cars paying tribute to the fight against cancer with
both a pink and light blue scheme being offered. Other road
names will be HZGX-Herzog Contracting Corp., DLWR-Depew
News column - 5
MRH-Mar 2013
