Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 - DCC Ready

Bring the classic appearance of Santa Fe Railway diesel power to your HO scale model railroad with the Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655. This premium four-axle road switcher reproduces an early Phase I Santa Fe locomotive with authentic railroad paint and lettering, detailed prototype-specific equipment, and the smooth-running Genesis drivetrain.

Supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, this locomotive operates on conventional DC power as delivered and allows model railroaders to install their preferred compatible DCC decoder. The distinctive rear-mounted fuel tank, large front anticlimber, Stratolite cab beacon, and switcher-style walkway steps capture the appearance of Santa Fe's original EMD GP39-2 fleet.

Santa Fe ATSF #3655 EMD GP39-2 Prototype History

Electro-Motive Division produced the GP39-2 between 1974 and 1984 as a versatile four-axle diesel-electric road switcher. Powered by a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 engine producing 2,300 horsepower, the GP39-2 offered efficient performance for freight and switching duties.

Santa Fe was one of the largest purchasers of the GP39-2. Initially acquired for fast freight assignments, these locomotives eventually became especially useful on local freight trains, industrial branches, and road-switching duties throughout the Santa Fe system.

Athearn Genesis reproduces ATSF #3655 in its early Phase I configuration, including the distinctive rear-mounted fuel tank, switcher-style walkway steps, and railroad-specific equipment associated with Santa Fe's original GP39-2 locomotives.

Santa Fe ATSF #3655 Prototype-Specific Features

• Authentic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway paint and lettering
• Early Phase I EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Rear-mounted fuel tank
• Large front anticlimber
• Stratolite cab beacon detail
• Switcher-style walkway steps
• Leslie 3-chime locomotive horn
• Small EMD front plow
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Detailed Blomberg trucks with appropriate bearing caps
• Prototype-specific fuel tank and underbody detailing

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Quick Plug Connector

The Athearn Genesis Santa Fe GP39-2 #3655 features Athearn's Quick Plug decoder interface with a 21-pin NEM connector, allowing model railroaders to install a compatible aftermarket DCC decoder.

Unlike the factory DCC/Sound-equipped version of ATSF #3655, this model does not include a sound decoder or factory-installed sound system. It operates on conventional DC power out of the box, making it an excellent choice for traditional DC layouts or future DCC conversion.

• Factory DCC Ready configuration
• Conventional DC operation as supplied
• 21-pin NEM decoder connector
• Quick Plug decoder installation interface
• Compatible with appropriately selected aftermarket DCC decoders
• Factory-installed LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• No factory-installed sound decoder

For model railroaders planning a custom sound installation, the decoder connector provides a starting point for adding a compatible sound decoder and any necessary speaker equipment.

Premium Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2 Features

Athearn Genesis locomotives combine extensive exterior detailing with precision mechanical engineering for smooth, dependable HO scale railroad operation.

• Highly detailed HO scale (1:87) diesel locomotive
• Five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain with all-wheel drive
• All-wheel electrical pickup for reliable current collection
• Heavy die-cast frame for improved traction and pulling power
• Realistic LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• Factory-installed wire grab irons, lift rings, and windshield wipers
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails
• Detailed walkway tread and drop steps
• Etched metal fan grilles
• See-through cab windows with detailed cab interior
• Detailed fuel tank fillers, gauges, and breather pipes
• Trainline hoses, MU hoses, and coupler cut levers
• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle couplers compatible with Kadee couplers
• RP25 wheel contours for popular HO scale track systems
• Minimum recommended operating radius of 18 inches

Recreate Classic Santa Fe Freight and Switching Operations

The EMD GP39-2 is an excellent addition to HO scale layouts representing Santa Fe Railway freight operations from the mid-1970s onward. Its four-axle configuration and mid-horsepower design make it suitable for local freight trains, industrial switching, yard transfers, and multiple-unit diesel locomotive consists.

ATSF #3655 is particularly appealing to model railroaders recreating Santa Fe's original GP39-2 fleet before the later GP39-2u rebuilding program. Its early Phase I body and distinctive railroad-specific equipment offer excellent prototype accuracy.

Explore additional Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives for more Santa Fe road numbers and available DCC Ready or DCC/Sound configurations.

Browse our premium Athearn Genesis collection for detailed diesel locomotives and rolling stock, or discover additional Athearn model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Athearn Genesis GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1965
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
• Reporting Mark: ATSF
• Road Number: 3655
• Body Configuration: Early Phase I
• Horn: Leslie 3-Chime
• Beacon: Stratolite Cab Beacon
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Interface: 21-Pin NEM Quick Plug
• Factory Sound: Not Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B
• Trucks: Blomberg
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Diesel Locomotives at Fusion Scale Hobbies

Add the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 DCC Ready locomotive to your model railroad fleet. Discover more diesel locomotives, freight cars, and model railroad equipment in our complete model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.