Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8518 Recent Repaint - DCC & Sound – ATHG-75650

Bring contemporary Union Pacific diesel power, premium Genesis performance, and factory-installed sound to your HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Union Pacific UP #8518 Recent Repaint - DCC & Sound. This highly detailed six-axle locomotive represents UP #8518 as a modernized early-production SD70ACe featuring a recent Union Pacific repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, and front ditch lights. Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound and dual cube speakers make this locomotive ready for modern Union Pacific operations right out of the box. 

Union Pacific #8518 represents an early-production SD70ACe originally built during 2005-2006 and subsequently updated for contemporary service. The recent UP repaint reflects Union Pacific's updated locomotive graphics, while modern PTC equipment and inverter cabinet modifications give the model the appearance of a locomotive operating on today's railroad.

Union Pacific UP #8518 Prototype-Specific Features

• Union Pacific road number 8518
• 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

SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound

This version of Union Pacific #8518 is factory equipped with DCC & Sound. Athearn installs a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC decoder with dual cube speakers, providing digital locomotive control and authentic sound without requiring an aftermarket decoder installation. Sound-equipped Genesis models can operate on both conventional DC and DCC layouts, with full digital functionality available under DCC control. 

• Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound decoder
• Dual cube speakers for enhanced sound reproduction
• Operates on both DC and DCC layouts
• Full DCC functionality in DCC mode
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds available during DC operation
• NMRA-compatible DCC functions
• Precision slow-speed control
• Multiple-unit lashup programming
• Lead-unit-only horn, bell, and lighting options for MU consists
• Programmable Configuration Value (CV) functions
• CV chart included

Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details

The Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe combines prototype-focused detailing with the premium construction expected from the Genesis line. UP #8518 features illuminated number boards and truck lights, etched see-through steps, a full cab interior, fine-scale handrails, flexible hoses, detailed fuel tank components, and numerous separately applied details.

• 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 and MU hoses
• 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 Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

Under the shell, UP #8518 features Athearn's proven Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor paired with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain. All-wheel electrical pickup provides dependable current collection, while the heavy die-cast frame adds traction and pulling power for long modern freight trains. 

• Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor
• Precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain for smooth operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup
• 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

EMD SD70ACe Modern Diesel Power

The prototype EMD SD70ACe was developed to meet stricter EPA Tier II diesel locomotive emissions standards while delivering the performance required for demanding freight service. Each SD70ACe uses a 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at approximately 4,300 horsepower and an AC traction system designed for heavy mainline operation. 

The SD70ACe's unmistakable appearance incorporates design characteristics associated with EMD's SD90-series locomotives, including a full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiators with twin fans, and dynamic brake equipment positioned toward the rear of the long hood. The inverter equipment is housed in a prominent enclosure on the walkway behind the fireman's side of the cab, further defining the locomotive's modern profile. 

Modern Union Pacific Power with Factory Sound

With its recent Union Pacific repaint, PTC antennas, modernized inverter cabinets, SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, illuminated details, and premium Genesis drivetrain, UP #8518 is an outstanding choice for a contemporary Union Pacific HO scale roster. Put it to work leading intermodal trains, manifest freights, grain trains, unit trains, or combine it with additional modern Union Pacific locomotives to create a realistic multi-unit consist.

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