Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP38-2 Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay ASAB #508 DCC Ready – ATHG-1817

Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP38-2 – Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay #508 – DCC Ready

Bring a distinctive Southern shortline locomotive to your HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis EMD GP38-2, decorated for the Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay Railroad (ASAB) #508. Featuring the railroad's attractive green and yellow paint scheme, this model represents one of two GP38-2 locomotives delivered new to the railroad in 1973.

The Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay Railroad began operations in 1906, connecting Panama City, Florida, with Dothan, Alabama. In 1973, the railroad purchased EMD GP38-2 locomotives #508 and #509 to modernize its diesel fleet. These units featured several distinctive details, including nose-mounted gyralights, cab beacons, early footboards, 3,200-gallon fuel tanks, and non-dynamic brake configurations.

Following the railroad's acquisition by Genesee & Wyoming in 2005, locomotive #508 was eventually renumbered EARY #2014. Athearn's Genesis model captures its original ASAB appearance, making it an excellent choice for modeling Gulf Coast railroad operations during the 1970s and beyond.

Prototype-Specific ASAB Details

• As-delivered Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay appearance
• Green and yellow paint scheme with accurate ASAB lettering
• Nose-mounted gyralight
• Cab-mounted beacon
• Non-dynamic brake configuration
• Leslie 3-chime horn
• Early/mid-production body with chickenwire grilles
• Standard radiator fans
• Prototype-correct 3,200-gallon fuel tank

Athearn Genesis Model Features

• HO Scale (1:87)
• Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay Railroad (ASAB) #508
• DCC Ready with 21-pin NEM Quick Plug connector
• Precision Genesis drivetrain with 5-pole skew-wound motor
• Dual precision-machined flywheels
• All-wheel drive and electrical pickup
• Heavy die-cast frame for improved traction
• LED lighting
• Operating number boards
• Operating class lights where appropriate
• Separately applied wire grab irons and lift rings
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails
• Detailed cab interior with see-through windows
• Windshield wipers, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses
• Detailed fuel tank with fillers, gauges, and breather pipes
• Body-mounted McHenry operating knuckle couplers
• RP25 contour wheels
• Minimum operating radius: 18 inches

DCC Ready – No Factory Sound

This locomotive is the DCC Ready version and does not include a factory-installed DCC or sound decoder. It features Athearn's Quick Plug technology with a 21-pin NEM connector, allowing for installation of a compatible aftermarket DCC decoder.

A Classic Gulf Coast Shortline Locomotive

With its colorful ASAB paint scheme and distinctive prototype details, the GP38-2 #508 is a great addition to a Southern shortline roster. Whether handling local freight, switching industries, or working alongside other first- and second-generation diesels, this locomotive represents an interesting chapter in Florida and Alabama railroad history.

Explore more Athearn Genesis Locomotives, browse our Athearn Model Trains, or shop our complete Model Trains Collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.