Shop the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe 2026 release at Fusion Scale Hobbies and bring modern heavy-haul diesel power to your HO scale railroad. This premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe locomotive collection features highly detailed six-axle EMD diesels in Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Heritage, Norfolk Southern commemorative, EMDX, Progress Rail, and other prototype-inspired paint schemes. With both DCC Ready 21-pin and select SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound versions available, these locomotives are built for operators, collectors, and modern-era model railroaders.
Scheduled for release in August 2026, this Athearn Genesis production run offers an outstanding selection of modern HO scale diesel locomotives with road-number-specific detailing, premium Genesis drivetrains, LED lighting, illuminated number boards and truck lights, detailed cab interiors, etched see-through steps, and accurate railroad paint and lettering.
Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Locomotives
The EMD SD70ACe is one of the most recognizable locomotives in contemporary North American freight service. Developed by Electro-Motive Diesel to satisfy stricter emissions requirements while maintaining the performance required for heavy freight operation, the SD70ACe is powered by a 16-cylinder diesel engine producing approximately 4,300 horsepower.
The prototype's massive six-axle profile, full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiator section, rear-mounted dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter cabinet give the SD70ACe a distinctive modern appearance. These locomotives have become fixtures on intermodal trains, manifest freights, coal trains, grain trains, unit trains, and other demanding mainline assignments.
The 2026 SD70ACe release brings together an exciting selection of modern railroad power, Heritage locomotives, commemorative paint schemes, and unique contemporary prototypes. Examples represented within the release include Union Pacific SD70ACe locomotives, Norfolk Southern Heritage SD70ACes, special Norfolk Southern anniversary locomotives, and EMDX / Progress Rail SD70ACe locomotives.
Because Athearn develops Genesis locomotives using prototype drawings, field measurements, photographs, and other reference materials, individual models can include details specific to the railroad, locomotive production phase, road number, or era being represented.
Norfolk Southern Heritage SD70ACe Locomotives
Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives are among the most collectible modern diesel locomotives in HO scale. In 2012, Norfolk Southern introduced a group of specially painted locomotives honoring predecessor railroads that helped shape the modern NS system. Their colorful historical liveries combined with contemporary diesel power quickly made the Heritage fleet a favorite among railroad enthusiasts and model train collectors.
The Athearn Genesis SD70ACe lineup includes models representing locomotives such as Norfolk Southern Savannah & Atlanta Heritage #1065 and Norfolk Southern Central Railroad of New Jersey Heritage #1071, along with the distinctive Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary #1030.
Selected NS versions feature a swappable alternate roof with LEADER/PTC antenna array, allowing modelers to represent changes made to these locomotives as Positive Train Control equipment was added. Additional NS-specific details can include an isolated cab, high-mounted headlight, late-style handrails, and illuminated front and rear ditch lights.
Union Pacific SD70ACe Locomotives
Union Pacific modelers can recreate modern UP freight operations with highly detailed Athearn Genesis Union Pacific SD70ACe locomotives. Recent prototype repaint variations incorporate changes to Union Pacific's modern locomotive graphics, including revised shield, lettering, flag, and nose treatments.
Depending on the locomotive represented, UP-specific details can include PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, front ditch lights, and early-production SD70ACe configurations dating from 2005-2006. These locomotives are excellent choices for modern intermodal trains, grain service, manifest freight, unit trains, and multi-locomotive consists.
EMDX & Progress Rail SD70ACe Locomotives
Modern diesel enthusiasts can also add unique EMDX and Progress Rail SD70ACe locomotives to their fleets. Some of these later locomotives are known as Tier 4 Credit SD70ACes and represent examples produced using emissions credits earned through production of Tier 4-compliant locomotives.
Prototype-specific details can include late-production isolated cabs, PTC antennas, large inverter cabinet grilles, and front and rear ditch lights. These distinctive models are ideal for contemporary layouts, locomotive demonstration movements, lease operations, transfer runs, and modern railroad consists.
Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details
Athearn Genesis locomotives are designed for modelers who want a combination of prototype accuracy, fine-scale detailing, smooth operation, and dependable layout performance. The SD70ACe series incorporates numerous separately applied and fine-scale components that enhance the appearance of these large modern diesel locomotives.
HO scale EMD SD70ACe six-axle diesel locomotive
Premium Athearn Genesis construction
Road-name and road-number-specific detailing where applicable
Flexible rubber trainline hoses
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
Detailed fuel tank with fillers, gauges, breather pipes, and retention tanks
Accurately applied paint, lettering, and railroad graphics
Fully assembled and ready to run
Genesis Drivetrain & HO Scale Performance
Inside each locomotive is Athearn's proven Genesis diesel drivetrain, engineered to provide smooth operation and reliable pulling performance. A 5-pole skew-wound motor works with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain to provide controlled power delivery for switching, yard operation, and mainline freight service.
Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor
Precision-machined flywheels
Multi-link drivetrain
All-wheel electrical pickup
Heavy die-cast frame for traction and pulling power
RP25 wheel contours
LED lighting
Minimum recommended radius: 18 inches
Recommended operating radius: 22 inches
Looking for additional locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, and railroad equipment? Browse our complete selection of model trains for more HO scale equipment to build your railroad.
DCC Ready Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Models
DCC-ready versions of the Athearn Genesis SD70ACe feature Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with a 21-pin NEM decoder interface. This gives operators a convenient platform for adding a compatible DCC decoder or upgrading the locomotive with digital sound and advanced lighting control.
Modelers planning a custom digital installation can browse our selection of ESU sound decoders for compatible decoder and sound options. Always verify decoder compatibility and installation requirements for the specific locomotive before installation.
SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound SD70ACe Models
Select locomotives in this release are available factory equipped with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound. These models feature an onboard DCC decoder and dual cube speakers designed to deliver strong sound reproduction while retaining the smooth-running characteristics of the Genesis drive system.
Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC decoder
Dual cube speakers
Operation 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 DCC functions
Precision slow-speed control
Multiple-unit consist programming capabilities
Programmable Configuration Value functions
Modern HO Scale Diesel Power for Operators & Collectors
The SD70ACe is an ideal locomotive for model railroaders recreating the heavy freight operations of the 2000s through the present day. Whether you're assembling a long intermodal train, grain train, manifest freight, coal drag, unit train, or multi-unit locomotive consist, the Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe delivers the commanding appearance expected from modern six-axle diesel power.
Multiple road numbers also make these locomotives excellent choices for operators building realistic consists, while Norfolk Southern Heritage and commemorative paint schemes provide strong appeal for collectors and railroad history enthusiasts.
Shop Athearn Trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies
Build out your railroad with more products from Athearn and explore the premium detailing found throughout the Athearn Genesis lineup. Modelers interested in additional ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock can also explore our Athearn RTR trains collection.
Looking for Athearn models currently available to ship? Browse our Athearn in-stock products for locomotives, freight cars, rolling stock, and other available Athearn releases.
For locomotive detailing, weathering, touch-ups, layout scenery projects, and custom railroad equipment, shop our selection of model paints.
Shop the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe 2026 release at Fusion Scale Hobbies and choose from DCC-ready and factory-sound locomotives representing today's Class I railroads, Heritage schemes, commemorative paint, EMDX, Progress Rail, and other modern diesel power for your HO scale model railroad.
Shop the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe 2026 release at Fusion Scale Hobbies and bring modern heavy-haul diesel power to your HO scale railroad. This premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe locomotive collection features highly detailed six-axle EMD diesels in Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Heritage, Norfolk Southern commemorative, EMDX, Progress Rail, and other prototype-inspired paint schemes. With both DCC Ready 21-pin and select SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound versions available, these locomotives are built for operators, collectors, and modern-era model railroaders.
Scheduled for release in August 2026, this Athearn Genesis production run offers an outstanding selection of modern HO scale diesel locomotives with road-number-specific detailing, premium Genesis drivetrains, LED lighting, illuminated number boards and truck lights, detailed cab interiors, etched see-through steps, and accurate railroad paint and lettering.
Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Locomotives
The EMD SD70ACe is one of the most recognizable locomotives in contemporary North American freight service. Developed by Electro-Motive Diesel to satisfy stricter emissions requirements while maintaining the performance required for heavy freight operation, the SD70ACe is powered by a 16-cylinder diesel engine producing approximately 4,300 horsepower.
The prototype's massive six-axle profile, full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiator section, rear-mounted dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter cabinet give the SD70ACe a distinctive modern appearance. These locomotives have become fixtures on intermodal trains, manifest freights, coal trains, grain trains, unit trains, and other demanding mainline assignments.
The 2026 SD70ACe release brings together an exciting selection of modern railroad power, Heritage locomotives, commemorative paint schemes, and unique contemporary prototypes. Examples represented within the release include Union Pacific SD70ACe locomotives, Norfolk Southern Heritage SD70ACes, special Norfolk Southern anniversary locomotives, and EMDX / Progress Rail SD70ACe locomotives.
Because Athearn develops Genesis locomotives using prototype drawings, field measurements, photographs, and other reference materials, individual models can include details specific to the railroad, locomotive production phase, road number, or era being represented.
Norfolk Southern Heritage SD70ACe Locomotives
Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives are among the most collectible modern diesel locomotives in HO scale. In 2012, Norfolk Southern introduced a group of specially painted locomotives honoring predecessor railroads that helped shape the modern NS system. Their colorful historical liveries combined with contemporary diesel power quickly made the Heritage fleet a favorite among railroad enthusiasts and model train collectors.
The Athearn Genesis SD70ACe lineup includes models representing locomotives such as Norfolk Southern Savannah & Atlanta Heritage #1065 and Norfolk Southern Central Railroad of New Jersey Heritage #1071, along with the distinctive Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary #1030.
Selected NS versions feature a swappable alternate roof with LEADER/PTC antenna array, allowing modelers to represent changes made to these locomotives as Positive Train Control equipment was added. Additional NS-specific details can include an isolated cab, high-mounted headlight, late-style handrails, and illuminated front and rear ditch lights.
Union Pacific SD70ACe Locomotives
Union Pacific modelers can recreate modern UP freight operations with highly detailed Athearn Genesis Union Pacific SD70ACe locomotives. Recent prototype repaint variations incorporate changes to Union Pacific's modern locomotive graphics, including revised shield, lettering, flag, and nose treatments.
Depending on the locomotive represented, UP-specific details can include PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, front ditch lights, and early-production SD70ACe configurations dating from 2005-2006. These locomotives are excellent choices for modern intermodal trains, grain service, manifest freight, unit trains, and multi-locomotive consists.
EMDX & Progress Rail SD70ACe Locomotives
Modern diesel enthusiasts can also add unique EMDX and Progress Rail SD70ACe locomotives to their fleets. Some of these later locomotives are known as Tier 4 Credit SD70ACes and represent examples produced using emissions credits earned through production of Tier 4-compliant locomotives.
Prototype-specific details can include late-production isolated cabs, PTC antennas, large inverter cabinet grilles, and front and rear ditch lights. These distinctive models are ideal for contemporary layouts, locomotive demonstration movements, lease operations, transfer runs, and modern railroad consists.
Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details
Athearn Genesis locomotives are designed for modelers who want a combination of prototype accuracy, fine-scale detailing, smooth operation, and dependable layout performance. The SD70ACe series incorporates numerous separately applied and fine-scale components that enhance the appearance of these large modern diesel locomotives.
HO scale EMD SD70ACe six-axle diesel locomotive
Premium Athearn Genesis construction
Road-name and road-number-specific detailing where applicable
Flexible rubber trainline hoses
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
Detailed fuel tank with fillers, gauges, breather pipes, and retention tanks
Accurately applied paint, lettering, and railroad graphics
Fully assembled and ready to run
Genesis Drivetrain & HO Scale Performance
Inside each locomotive is Athearn's proven Genesis diesel drivetrain, engineered to provide smooth operation and reliable pulling performance. A 5-pole skew-wound motor works with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain to provide controlled power delivery for switching, yard operation, and mainline freight service.
Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor
Precision-machined flywheels
Multi-link drivetrain
All-wheel electrical pickup
Heavy die-cast frame for traction and pulling power
RP25 wheel contours
LED lighting
Minimum recommended radius: 18 inches
Recommended operating radius: 22 inches
Looking for additional locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, and railroad equipment? Browse our complete selection of model trains for more HO scale equipment to build your railroad.
DCC Ready Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Models
DCC-ready versions of the Athearn Genesis SD70ACe feature Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with a 21-pin NEM decoder interface. This gives operators a convenient platform for adding a compatible DCC decoder or upgrading the locomotive with digital sound and advanced lighting control.
Modelers planning a custom digital installation can browse our selection of ESU sound decoders for compatible decoder and sound options. Always verify decoder compatibility and installation requirements for the specific locomotive before installation.
SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound SD70ACe Models
Select locomotives in this release are available factory equipped with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound. These models feature an onboard DCC decoder and dual cube speakers designed to deliver strong sound reproduction while retaining the smooth-running characteristics of the Genesis drive system.
Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC decoder
Dual cube speakers
Operation 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 DCC functions
Precision slow-speed control
Multiple-unit consist programming capabilities
Programmable Configuration Value functions
Modern HO Scale Diesel Power for Operators & Collectors
The SD70ACe is an ideal locomotive for model railroaders recreating the heavy freight operations of the 2000s through the present day. Whether you're assembling a long intermodal train, grain train, manifest freight, coal drag, unit train, or multi-unit locomotive consist, the Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe delivers the commanding appearance expected from modern six-axle diesel power.
Multiple road numbers also make these locomotives excellent choices for operators building realistic consists, while Norfolk Southern Heritage and commemorative paint schemes provide strong appeal for collectors and railroad history enthusiasts.
Shop Athearn Trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies
Build out your railroad with more products from Athearn and explore the premium detailing found throughout the Athearn Genesis lineup. Modelers interested in additional ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock can also explore our Athearn RTR trains collection.
Looking for Athearn models currently available to ship? Browse our Athearn in-stock products for locomotives, freight cars, rolling stock, and other available Athearn releases.
For locomotive detailing, weathering, touch-ups, layout scenery projects, and custom railroad equipment, shop our selection of model paints.
Shop the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe 2026 release at Fusion Scale Hobbies and choose from DCC-ready and factory-sound locomotives representing today's Class I railroads, Heritage schemes, commemorative paint, EMDX, Progress Rail, and other modern diesel power for your HO scale model railroad.
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