Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8522 Recent Repaint - DCC Ready – ATHG-75551

Bring modern Union Pacific heavy-haul power to your HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8522 Recent Repaint - DCC Ready. This premium Genesis diesel locomotive represents an early-production Union Pacific SD70ACe updated for contemporary service with a recent UP repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, and front ditch lights. Designed for the 2010-present era, UP #8522 is an outstanding choice for modelers recreating today's Union Pacific mainline freight operations.

Union Pacific #8522 represents an early-production SD70ACe originally built during 2005-2006. Athearn has modeled this locomotive with the modern upgrades and appearance appropriate to the prototype, giving operators and collectors a distinctive example of Union Pacific's long-serving SD70ACe fleet. 

Union Pacific UP #8522 Prototype-Specific Features

• Union Pacific road number 8522
• Recent Union Pacific repaint
• Early-production SD70ACe configuration 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

Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details

The Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe combines fine-scale detailing with a powerful, smooth-running mechanism for serious model railroad operators and collectors. UP #8522 features numerous separately applied details, illuminated features, and prototype-inspired components that capture the massive appearance of EMD's modern six-axle SD70ACe.

• 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
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel 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 scales its Genesis diesel locomotives using prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, and photographs, with details and paint treatments selected to accurately represent the prototype. 

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Connector

This version of Union Pacific #8522 is DCC Ready and does not include the factory-installed Tsunami2 sound system found in the separately offered sound-equipped version. Athearn Quick Plug technology provides a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, giving modelers a convenient platform for installing their preferred compatible DCC or sound decoder. Athearn specifically lists ATHG75551 as Ready/21-Pin NEM. 

Planning to upgrade UP #8522 with digital control or sound? Browse our selection of ESU sound decoders for compatible HO scale DCC and sound options. Always verify decoder compatibility and installation requirements for your specific locomotive before installation.

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

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

The Genesis drivetrain combines a 5-pole skew-wound motor, precision-machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain with a heavy die-cast frame for traction and pulling power. All-wheel electrical pickup and RP25 wheel contours help provide dependable performance across popular brands of HO scale track. 

EMD SD70ACe Modern Diesel Power

The prototype EMD SD70ACe was developed as part of EMD's response to stricter EPA Tier II locomotive emissions requirements. Powered by a 16-cylinder diesel engine producing approximately 4,300 horsepower, the SD70ACe uses AC traction technology designed for demanding freight service. 

The SD70ACe's distinctive modern profile includes a full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiators with twin fans, rear-positioned dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter equipment located on the walkway behind the fireman's side of the cab. These characteristics helped make the SD70ACe one of the most recognizable EMD locomotives of the modern railroad era. 

Modern Union Pacific Power for Your HO Scale Railroad

With its recent Union Pacific repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, front ditch lights, Genesis drivetrain, LED lighting, and DCC-ready electronics, UP #8522 is an excellent choice for contemporary Union Pacific operations. Run it on intermodal trains, manifest freights, grain trains, unit trains, or pair it with additional modern Union Pacific locomotives to create a realistic multi-unit consist.

Explore more premium locomotives and rolling stock in our Athearn Genesis collection, shop additional Athearn model trains, or browse our complete selection of model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Looking for Athearn products available now? Browse our Athearn in-stock products. For additional locomotives and rolling stock, explore our Athearn RTR trains.

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