Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2u Santa Fe ATSF #3418 - DCC Ready

Bring authentic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway diesel power to your model railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2u Santa Fe ATSF #3418. This highly detailed four-axle road switcher represents one of Santa Fe's upgraded GP39-2 locomotives, featuring distinctive Phase I body details, corrugated radiator grilles, and prototype-specific equipment.

Part of Athearn's premium Genesis locomotive series, Santa Fe #3418 combines precision drivetrain engineering, realistic LED lighting, and exceptional exterior detailing. This DCC Ready HO scale diesel locomotive is an excellent addition to layouts representing ATSF freight operations during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Santa Fe ATSF #3418 GP39-2u Prototype History

Beginning in 1986, the Santa Fe Railway rebuilt 50 EMD GP39-2 locomotives at its Cleburne, Texas shops. These upgraded locomotives received the GP39-2u designation, with the letter "u" identifying Santa Fe's modernization program.

The rebuilding process included mechanical and electrical improvements along with distinctive exterior modifications. These changes included repositioned fuel tanks, redesigned exhaust stacks, swing-out number boards, improved walkway steps, and additional equipment access doors.

Athearn Genesis faithfully reproduces Santa Fe ATSF #3418 with its Phase I body, corrugated radiator grilles, Nathan 3-chime horn, and equipment access door behind the cab.

Prototype-Specific Santa Fe #3418 Features

• Authentic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway paint and lettering
• New Phase I GP39-2u body with corrugated radiator grilles
• Prototype-specific Nathan 3-chime locomotive horn
• Additional equipment access door behind the cab
• Illuminated swing-out-style number boards
• Stratolight beacon with lighting effect available through compatible DCC control
• Newly tooled exhaust stack
• Removed class lights matching the rebuilt prototype
• Switcher-style walkway steps
• Rear-mounted fuel tank
• Large front anticlimber

Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2u Locomotive Features

The Athearn Genesis Santa Fe GP39-2u features a premium drivetrain and factory-installed details designed to reproduce the appearance and performance of a real EMD diesel locomotive.

• Highly detailed HO scale (1:87) locomotive construction
• Five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain with all-wheel drive
• All-wheel electrical pickup for dependable operation
• Heavy die-cast frame for improved traction and pulling power
• Realistic LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards and prototype-specific beacon detailing
• Factory-installed wire grab irons, lift rings, and windshield wipers
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails and detailed walkway tread
• Etched metal fan grilles
• Detailed cab interior with see-through windows
• Detailed Blomberg trucks with appropriate bearing caps
• Realistic fuel tank components, air lines, and MU hoses
• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle couplers compatible with Kadee couplers
• RP25 wheel contours for compatibility with popular HO scale track systems
• Minimum recommended operating radius of 18 inches

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Decoder Connector

This Athearn Genesis ATSF #3418 GP39-2u is supplied DCC Ready without factory-installed sound. It features Athearn Quick Plug technology with a 21-pin NEM connector, allowing model railroaders to install a compatible digital decoder of their choice.

The locomotive operates on conventional DC layouts as supplied. Installing a compatible DCC decoder enables digital locomotive control and access to supported lighting functions, including the Stratolight beacon effect.

Build a Realistic HO Scale Santa Fe Diesel Fleet

The EMD GP39-2u is an excellent choice for modeling Santa Fe local freight operations, industrial switching, yard transfers, and road freight service. Its distinctive rebuilt appearance and four-axle configuration make it particularly suitable for HO scale layouts depicting the final decade of independent Santa Fe operations.

Explore additional Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives to expand your locomotive roster with more railroad paint schemes and road numbers.

Browse our premium Athearn Genesis locomotives and rolling stock, or discover more Athearn model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG66254
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2u
• Railroad: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
• Reporting Mark: ATSF
• Road Number: 3418
• Body Configuration: Phase I with Corrugated Grilles
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Interface: 21-Pin NEM
• Factory Sound: Not Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Locomotives at Fusion Scale Hobbies

Add the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2u Santa Fe ATSF #3418 to your model railroad fleet and recreate authentic ATSF freight operations. Discover additional diesel locomotives, freight cars, and railroad equipment in our complete model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.