Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Norfolk Southern NS 30th Anniversary #1030 - DCC & Sound – ATHG-75653

Celebrate a landmark chapter in Norfolk Southern history with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Norfolk Southern NS 30th Anniversary #1030 - DCC & Sound. This premium Genesis locomotive recreates Norfolk Southern #1030, the special SD70ACe associated with the railroad's 30th Anniversary celebration. Factory-equipped with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound, dual cube speakers, illuminated details, and Athearn's powerful Genesis drivetrain, this distinctive locomotive is built for both modern HO scale operators and Norfolk Southern collectors.

Norfolk Southern marked its 30th Anniversary in 2012 alongside the introduction of its celebrated group of 20 Heritage locomotives honoring predecessor railroads. Athearn's #1030 captures the special anniversary locomotive while incorporating the prototype-specific features associated with Norfolk Southern's modern SD70ACe fleet. For modelers interested in different operating periods, Athearn includes both roof configurations to represent the changes made when PTC equipment was added during the late 2010s. 

Norfolk Southern NS #1030 Prototype-Specific Features

• Norfolk Southern road number 1030
• Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary scheme
• Swappable alternate roof with LEADER/PTC antenna array
• Both roof configurations included
• High-mounted headlight
• Isolated cab
• Front and rear illuminated ditch lights
• Late-style handrails
• Illuminated number boards
• Illuminated truck lights
• Six-axle EMD SD70ACe configuration
• 2010-present modeling era

The interchangeable roof configuration is an especially useful feature for prototype-focused modelers. Norfolk Southern modified the roof arrangements of these locomotives during the late 2010s to accommodate Positive Train Control antennas, and Athearn includes both roof styles with #1030.

SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound

This version of Norfolk Southern #1030 is factory equipped with DCC & Sound. Athearn installs an onboard SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC decoder with dual cube speakers, providing digital locomotive control and sound without requiring an aftermarket decoder installation. The locomotive 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 when operated 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 accuracy with the fine-scale construction expected from Athearn's premium Genesis line. NS #1030 features etched see-through steps, flexible trainline and MU hoses, a full cab interior, fine-scale handrails, illuminated number boards and truck lights, and numerous separately applied components.

• Flexible rubber trainline hose
• Flexible rubber MU hoses
• Etched see-through steps
• Separately applied lift rings
• Detailed sander lines
• Illuminated number boards and 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 Norfolk Southern paint and printing
• Fully assembled and ready to run

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

Under the shell, NS #1030 uses Athearn's Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor paired with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain. All-wheel electrical pickup helps maintain reliable current flow, while the heavy die-cast frame provides additional traction and pulling power for demanding HO scale freight operations. 

• 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 satisfy EPA Tier II locomotive emissions requirements while retaining the horsepower needed for demanding freight service. The design uses a 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at approximately 4,300 horsepower and AC traction technology. Its full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiator section, rear-positioned dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter cabinet give the SD70ACe its unmistakable modern profile. 

A Standout Norfolk Southern Locomotive for Operators & Collectors

With its Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary appearance, interchangeable PTC roof configurations, high-mounted headlight, isolated cab, illuminated ditch lights, SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, and premium Genesis drivetrain, NS #1030 is a standout addition to a contemporary Norfolk Southern roster. Run it on manifest freight, intermodal, coal, grain, or mixed freight service, pair it with additional NS locomotives in a realistic multi-unit consist, or display it alongside Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives.

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