Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Union Pacific UP #2738 - DCC Ready

Add a distinctive piece of Union Pacific Railroad diesel history to your model railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 UP #2738. This premium Phase I four-axle diesel locomotive represents a former Delaware & Hudson road switcher acquired by Union Pacific during the late 1990s, featuring accurate railroad lettering, prototype-specific exterior details, and the precision performance of Athearn's Genesis locomotive series.

Supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, Union Pacific #2738 operates on conventional DC power as delivered and allows model railroaders to install their preferred compatible DCC decoder. Its newly tooled D&H-style walkway and fuel tank, tall front ditch lights, Nathan 5-chime horn, and large Sinclair antenna make it an excellent addition to a detailed Union Pacific diesel locomotive roster.

Union Pacific UP #2738 - Former Delaware & Hudson GP39-2

During the late 1990s, Union Pacific acquired a group of former Delaware & Hudson 7601-series EMD GP39-2 locomotives to supplement its fleet of dependable four-axle road switchers. These locomotives retained distinctive characteristics from their original Delaware & Hudson service while receiving modifications for Union Pacific operations.

Originally built during the 1970s, the EMD GP39-2 combined a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 diesel engine with a four-axle design, producing approximately 2,300 horsepower. The locomotive offered an efficient alternative to larger diesel road power while remaining versatile enough for local freight, switching, and transfer assignments.

Following their acquisition, Union Pacific equipped these former D&H locomotives with additional safety equipment, including tall front-mounted ditch lights. The locomotives continued serving Union Pacific until they were eventually sold to other operators by the mid-2010s.

Athearn Genesis accurately recreates UP #2738 with its original Phase I body and former Delaware & Hudson characteristics, including the distinctive walkway and fuel tank arrangement.

Union Pacific UP #2738 Prototype-Specific Features

• Authentic Union Pacific Railroad paint and lettering
• Early Phase I EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Former Delaware & Hudson locomotive configuration
• Newly tooled D&H-style walkway and fuel tank
• Tall front-mounted ditch lights
• Small EMD front plow
• Nathan 5-chime locomotive horn
• Large Sinclair radio antenna
• Detailed fuel tank components and underbody equipment
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Prototype-appropriate exterior detailing

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Quick Plug Connector

The Athearn Genesis Union Pacific GP39-2 #2738 features Athearn's Quick Plug decoder interface with a 21-pin NEM connector, providing a convenient option for model railroaders who want to install their own compatible aftermarket DCC decoder.

This version operates on conventional DC power as supplied and does not include a factory-installed sound decoder or speakers. It is suitable for traditional DC layouts or future DCC conversion using the modeler's preferred decoder equipment.

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

Model railroaders planning a custom DCC/Sound installation can use the decoder interface as a starting point for adding a compatible sound decoder and the necessary speaker equipment.

Premium Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2 Features

Athearn Genesis locomotives combine exceptional prototype detailing with precision mechanical engineering for smooth, dependable HO scale model railroad operations.

• 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

Model Union Pacific Local Freight and Switching Operations

The EMD GP39-2 is an excellent choice for HO scale layouts representing Union Pacific freight operations from the late 1990s through the early 2010s. 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.

UP #2738 is particularly appealing to model railroaders interested in locomotives with unusual ownership histories. Its former Delaware & Hudson body configuration and Union Pacific modifications provide a distinctive addition to a diesel locomotive fleet.

Explore additional Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives for more Union Pacific, BNSF, Santa Fe, and other railroad paint schemes.

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

Athearn Genesis GP39-2 Union Pacific UP #2738 Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1971
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: Union Pacific Railroad
• Reporting Mark: UP
• Road Number: 2738
• Prototype Heritage: Former Delaware & Hudson
• Body Configuration: Early Phase I
• Walkway and Fuel Tank: D&H Style
• Horn: Nathan 5-Chime
• Antenna: Large Sinclair
• Ditch Lights: Tall Front-Mounted
• 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
• Recommended Era: Late 1990s–Mid-2010s

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Diesel Locomotives at Fusion Scale Hobbies

Add the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Union Pacific UP #2738 DCC Ready locomotive to your model railroad fleet. Discover additional diesel locomotives, freight cars, and railroad equipment in our complete model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.