Athearn ATHG27325 SD90MAC-H Phase I UP Union Pacific #8509 with DCC & Sound Tsunami2 HO Scale

Athearn ATHG27325 SD90MAC-H Phase I UP Union Pacific #8509 with DCC & Sound Tsunami2 HO Scale

UP FEATURES:

• #8503 & #8500 represent the first renumbering, originally delivered as #8203 and #8160 respectively.
• #8509, #8512, and #8520 are modeled with the starter capacitor removed and the EOT mounted further forward on the fuel tank.

Union Pacific became the only buyer of the SD90MAC-H, known to them as SD90AC, when Canadian Pacific transferred their order to the Phase 2 variant. The first 7 were considered pre-production units and wore 2-3 numbers during their lifetime. The 8500 series we are offering represents the second and third order of SD90MAC-Hs that were delivered between 1997-1999 and before their final renumbering to the 8900 series.

SD90MAC-H 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
• Rubber MU hoses
• Trainline hose
• See through cab windows
• Full cab interior
• Walkway tread
• Windshield wipers
• Lift rings
• Wire grab irons
• 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

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

After additional refinement by EMD, the twin-turbo, 4-cycle 256H prime mover was ready for a locomotive. While none of the convertible SD90MAC (SD9043MAC) were ever upgraded as intended with this 6000 hp power plant, a slightly different car-body was introduced with the SD90MAC-H to house this powerhouse. The Phase 1 version shares the same safety cab as the SD80MAC and SD90MAC, but refinements in engine cooling was required for the 256H resulted in the most visible difference, a sloped hood above the prime mover. Ultimately railroads lost interest in the race for the most horsepower and with more stringent emissions regulations, the reign of the 256H prime mover was ending. A total of 22 SD90MAC-H Phase 1 locomotive were produced, all for the Union Pacific. Production began in 1996 and lasted until Phase 2 SD90MAC began in 1999, with all 22 locomotives scrapped by 2009 at the end of their lease. One locomotive, EMDX #8204 wore a unique demonstrator scheme in honor of GM/EMD's 75th Anniversary and was seen proudly on display at their 1997 La Grange, Illinois open house.

The Athearn Genesis 2.0 SD90MAC-H features all of the cutting-edge detail and operational features that are expected by discerning modelers: Working number boards and ground lights, see-through steps, numerous separately-applied details on the body and underframe, and a heavy die-cast frame for massive pulling power.