Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Norfolk Southern NS Central of New Jersey CNJ Heritage #1071 - DCC & Sound – ATHG-75656

Add one of Norfolk Southern's most distinctive Heritage locomotives to your HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Norfolk Southern NS Central of New Jersey CNJ Heritage #1071 - DCC & Sound. This premium Genesis model recreates Norfolk Southern #1071 in its striking Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) Heritage paint scheme and combines road-specific detailing with factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound, dual cube speakers, illuminated lighting features, and Athearn's premium Genesis drivetrain.

Norfolk Southern introduced its celebrated Heritage locomotive program in 2012, painting a group of locomotives to honor predecessor railroads that helped shape the modern NS system. NS #1071 honors the Central Railroad of New Jersey, giving model railroaders a colorful modern locomotive with deep railroad-history appeal. Athearn also accounts for later prototype changes by including both roof configurations used as the Heritage locomotives were modified for Positive Train Control equipment during the late 2010s. 

Norfolk Southern CNJ Heritage #1071 Details

• Norfolk Southern road number 1071
• Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) Heritage paint 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 diesel locomotive
• 2010-present modeling era

The swappable alternate roof with LEADER/PTC antenna array gives prototype-focused modelers additional flexibility. Norfolk Southern's Heritage locomotives received modified roof configurations to accommodate Positive Train Control antennas during the late 2010s, and Athearn includes both roof styles with this release. The NS-specific tooling also includes a high-mounted headlight, isolated cab, front and rear illuminated ditch lights, and late handrails. 

SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC & Sound

This version of Norfolk Southern #1071 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 operates 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 fine-scale prototype detailing with premium construction for operators and collectors. NS #1071 features etched see-through steps, flexible trainline and MU hoses, illuminated number boards and truck lights, a full cab interior, fine-scale Celcon handrails, wire grab irons, 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 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 CNJ Heritage paint and printing
• Fully assembled and ready to run

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

Under the shell, NS #1071 features Athearn's Genesis 5-pole skew-wound motor paired with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain. All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow, while the heavy die-cast frame adds 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 as EMD adapted its locomotive lineup to EPA Tier II emissions requirements. The SD70ACe uses a 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at approximately 4,300 horsepower and AC traction technology for demanding mainline freight service. Its full-height nose door, rectangular windshields, large flared radiators with twin fans, rear-positioned dynamic brake equipment, and prominent inverter cabinet give the locomotive its unmistakable modern appearance.

Norfolk Southern Heritage Power for Operators & Collectors

With its Central of New Jersey Heritage paint scheme, interchangeable PTC roof configurations, high-mounted headlight, isolated cab, illuminated front and rear ditch lights, SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, and Genesis drivetrain, NS #1071 makes an outstanding centerpiece for a modern Norfolk Southern roster. Run it on intermodal, manifest freight, coal, grain, or mixed freight service, pair it with additional NS power in a realistic multi-unit consist, or display it alongside other Norfolk Southern Heritage locomotives.

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