Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8478 Recent Repaint - DCC & Sound – ATHG-75649

Bring the sound and power of modern Union Pacific freight operations to your HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8478 Recent Repaint - DCC & Sound. Factory equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC decoder and dual cube speakers, this premium Genesis locomotive combines authentic digital sound with road-specific Union Pacific details, illuminated features, and Athearn's proven Genesis drivetrain. 

UP #8478 represents one of Union Pacific's early-production SD70ACe locomotives built during 2005-2006 and later updated for contemporary service. Athearn models #8478 with its recent Union Pacific repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, and front ditch lights, making it an excellent choice for modelers recreating present-day Union Pacific mainline operations.

Union Pacific UP #8478 Prototype-Specific Features

• Union Pacific road number 8478
• Recent Union Pacific repaint
• Early-production SD70ACe originally built during 2005-2006
• Prototype-specific PTC antennas
• Modernized inverter cabinets
• Front ditch lights only
• Six-axle EMD SD70ACe diesel locomotive
• 2010-present modeling era

SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound

This version of Union Pacific #8478 comes factory equipped with DCC & Sound. An onboard SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoder works with dual cube speakers to deliver locomotive sound and advanced digital control without requiring an aftermarket decoder installation. The sound-equipped locomotive can operate on both conventional DC and DCC layouts.

• Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound decoder
• Dual cube speakers for enhanced sound quality
• Operates on both DC and DCC layouts
• Full DCC functionality when operated in DCC mode
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds available during DC operation
• NMRA-compatible functions in DCC mode
• Precision slow-speed control
• Multiple-unit lashup programming
• Lead-unit-only horn, bell, and lighting options for MU consists
• Programmable Configuration Value (CV) functions
• CV chart included

Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details

The Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe combines fine-scale detailing with dependable operating performance. UP #8478 features illuminated number boards and truck lights, etched see-through steps, a detailed full cab interior, fine-scale handrails, flexible hoses, and numerous separately applied details that capture the imposing appearance of EMD's modern six-axle diesel. 

• Flexible rubber trainline hose
• Flexible rubber MU hoses
• Etched see-through steps
• Separately applied lift rings
• Detailed sander lines
• Illuminated number boards
• Illuminated truck lights
• See-through cab windows
• Detailed full cab interior
• Detailed walkway tread
• Windshield wipers
• Wire grab irons
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails
• Coupler cut levers and MU hoses
• Detailed fuel tank with fillers, gauges, breather pipes, and retention tanks
• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
• Accurately applied Union Pacific paint and printing
• Fully assembled and ready to run

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

Under the shell, Athearn equips this SD70ACe with its Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor, precision-machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain. A heavy die-cast frame provides additional traction and pulling power, while all-wheel electrical pickup helps maintain reliable current flow during demanding HO scale freight operations. 

• Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor
• Precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain for smooth operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and pulling power
• RP25 wheel contours
• LED lighting
• Minimum operating radius: 18 inches
• Recommended operating radius: 22 inches

EMD SD70ACe Modern Diesel Power

The prototype EMD SD70ACe was developed to meet stricter EPA Tier II locomotive emissions requirements while providing the power needed for demanding freight service. The SD70ACe uses a 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at approximately 4,300 horsepower and AC traction technology. Its full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiator section, rear-mounted dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter cabinet contribute to its unmistakable modern appearance. 

Modern Union Pacific Power with Factory Sound

With its recent UP repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, Tsunami2 sound system, illuminated details, and premium Genesis drivetrain, Union Pacific #8478 is ready to become a centerpiece of a modern HO scale railroad. Run it at the head of an intermodal train, manifest freight, grain train, unit train, or pair it with additional UP locomotives to build a realistic multi-unit consist.

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