Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 - DCC/Sound

Recreate the unmistakable appearance and sounds of classic Santa Fe diesel power with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655. This premium four-axle diesel locomotive represents an early Phase I EMD GP39-2 road switcher, featuring authentic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway paint and lettering, prototype-specific exterior detailing, and factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC/Sound.

Equipped with a rear-mounted fuel tank, large front anticlimber, Stratolite cab beacon, Leslie 3-chime horn, and switcher-style walkway steps, ATSF #3655 captures the distinctive appearance of Santa Fe's original GP39-2 fleet. Athearn Genesis combines these details with precision mechanical engineering, LED lighting, and dual cube speakers for realistic HO scale model railroad operations.

Santa Fe ATSF #3655 EMD GP39-2 Prototype History

The Electro-Motive Division GP39-2 was produced between 1974 and 1984 as a four-axle diesel-electric road switcher. Powered by a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 prime mover producing 2,300 horsepower, the GP39-2 offered a fuel-efficient alternative to larger road locomotives while providing the versatility needed for freight and switching assignments.

Santa Fe was one of the largest purchasers of the GP39-2. Initially acquired for fast freight service, these locomotives eventually became familiar sights on local freight trains, industrial branches, and road-switching assignments throughout the Santa Fe system.

Athearn Genesis reproduces ATSF #3655 in its early Phase I configuration, making it an excellent choice for modelers depicting Santa Fe freight operations before the railroad's later GP39-2u rebuilding program.

Prototype-Specific Santa Fe ATSF #3655 Features

• Authentic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway paint scheme and lettering
• Early Phase I EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Rear-mounted fuel tank
• Large front anticlimber
• Stratolite cab beacon with DCC lighting effect
• Switcher-style walkway steps
• Prototype-specific Leslie 3-chime locomotive horn
• Small EMD front plow
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Detailed Blomberg trucks and underbody equipment
• Realistic railroad-specific exterior detailing

Factory-Installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC/Sound

The Athearn Genesis Santa Fe GP39-2 ATSF #3655 comes factory-equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder and dual cube speakers, delivering realistic locomotive audio and advanced digital operating capabilities without requiring aftermarket sound installation.

• Factory-installed SoundTraxx Tsunami2 DCC/Sound decoder
• Dual cube speakers for enhanced locomotive sound reproduction
• Realistic diesel engine, horn, and bell sounds
• Compatible with conventional DC and DCC layouts
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds available during DC operation
• Full digital functions with compatible DCC control
• NMRA-compatible DCC operation
• Precision slow-speed locomotive control
• Programmable Configuration Values (CVs)
• Multiple-unit locomotive consist programming
• Supported DCC lighting effects, including the Stratolite cab beacon

Premium Athearn Genesis HO Scale Locomotive Features

Athearn Genesis locomotives are designed for model railroaders seeking detailed construction, smooth operation, and dependable pulling performance.

• Highly detailed HO scale (1:87) diesel locomotive
• Five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain with all-wheel drive
• All-wheel electrical pickup for reliable operation
• Heavy die-cast frame for improved traction and pulling power
• Realistic LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• Factory-installed wire grab irons, lift rings, and windshield wipers
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails and detailed walkway tread
• Etched metal fan grilles
• Detailed cab interior with see-through windows
• Realistic fuel tank components, air lines, and MU hoses
• Detailed coupler cut levers and trainline hoses
• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle couplers compatible with Kadee couplers
• RP25 wheel contours for compatibility with popular HO scale track systems
• Minimum recommended operating radius of 18 inches

Model Authentic Santa Fe Freight and Switching Operations

The EMD GP39-2 is an excellent choice for HO scale layouts representing Santa Fe Railway operations from the mid-1970s through the early 1990s. Its four-axle configuration makes it suitable for local freight trains, yard transfers, industrial switching, and multiple-unit locomotive consists.

Unlike the later Santa Fe GP39-2u rebuilds, ATSF #3655 represents an original Phase I GP39-2 configuration, making it especially appealing to model railroaders recreating earlier Santa Fe diesel fleets.

Explore additional Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives to expand your roster with more Santa Fe, BNSF, and other railroad paint schemes.

Browse our premium Athearn Genesis collection for detailed diesel locomotives and rolling stock, or discover more Athearn model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Athearn Genesis GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1981
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
• Reporting Mark: ATSF
• Road Number: 3655
• Body Configuration: Early Phase I
• Horn: Leslie 3-Chime
• Control: DC / DCC
• Factory Sound Decoder: SoundTraxx Tsunami2
• Speakers: Dual Cube Speakers
• Lighting: LED with DCC Beacon Effect
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Diesel Locomotives at Fusion Scale Hobbies

Add the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3655 with DCC/Sound to your locomotive fleet and recreate authentic Santa Fe railroad operations. Discover additional locomotives, freight cars, and model railroad equipment in our complete model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.