Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Progress Rail EMDX #2115 Tier 4 Credit - DCC Ready – ATHG-75560

Add distinctive late-production EMD diesel power to your modern HO scale railroad with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD SD70ACe Progress Rail EMDX #2115 Tier 4 Credit - DCC Ready. Representing one of the unusual SD70ACe locomotives outshopped by Progress Rail during the early 2020s, EMDX #2115 combines a unique modern prototype with premium Athearn Genesis detailing, PTC antennas, an isolated cab, large inverter cabinet grilles, front and rear ditch lights, and a 21-pin DCC-ready interface.

Progress Rail produced several locomotives during a period of surplus production capacity in the early 2020s. EMDX #2115 is part of a group commonly known as Tier 4 Credit SD70ACes, built using banked emissions credits generated through the production of Tier 4-compliant locomotives. Athearn notes that some sources indicate these locomotives may originally have been intended for a Norfolk Southern order. 

Progress Rail EMDX #2115 Prototype-Specific Features

• Progress Rail EMDX road number 2115
• Tier 4 Credit SD70ACe
• Late-production SD70ACe configuration
• Isolated cab
• Prototype-specific PTC antennas
• Large inverter cabinet grilles
• Front and rear ditch lights
• Six-axle EMD SD70ACe configuration
• 2010-present modeling era

The late-production configuration helps distinguish EMDX #2115 from earlier SD70ACe locomotives. Athearn specifically calls out the isolated cab and PTC antennas, large inverter cabinet grilles, and front and rear ditch lights as defining details for this Progress Rail model. 

Premium Athearn Genesis SD70ACe Details

The Athearn Genesis HO Scale SD70ACe combines prototype-focused detailing with a smooth-running mechanism designed for serious model railroad operators and collectors. EMDX #2115 features fine-scale components throughout the locomotive, from its etched steps and detailed cab to illuminated number boards and truck lights.

• 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 paint and printing
• Fully assembled and ready to run

Athearn scales its Genesis locomotives from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, and photographs, while the finished model receives accurately applied paint and printing. 

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Connector

This version of Progress Rail EMDX #2115 is DCC Ready and Sound Ready. Athearn Quick Plug technology provides a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, giving modelers a convenient platform for installing their preferred compatible DCC or sound decoder. ATHG75560 is the DCC-ready version rather than the separately offered factory SoundTraxx Tsunami2-equipped model. 

Planning a custom digital sound installation? Browse our selection of ESU sound decoders for compatible HO scale DCC and sound options. Always verify decoder compatibility and installation requirements before installation.

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain & Performance

• 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

The Genesis drivetrain combines a 5-pole skew-wound motor, precision-machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain with a heavy die-cast frame for additional traction and pulling power. All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current collection, while RP25 wheel contours are designed for operation on popular HO scale track systems. 

EMD SD70ACe Modern Diesel Power

The prototype EMD SD70ACe was developed to meet EPA Tier II locomotive emissions requirements while retaining the power required for demanding freight operations. The design uses a 16-cylinder diesel engine rated at approximately 4,300 horsepower and AC traction technology. 

The SD70ACe incorporates several visual 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 was moved into a prominent enclosure on the walkway behind the fireman's side of the cab, contributing to the locomotive's distinctive modern profile.

A Unique Modern SD70ACe for Your HO Scale Railroad

With its Progress Rail EMDX markings, Tier 4 Credit history, late-production body configuration, isolated cab, PTC antennas, large inverter grilles, and front and rear ditch lights, EMDX #2115 offers something different from the typical Class I railroad SD70ACe. It is an excellent choice for modern locomotive consists, demonstration or transfer movements, contemporary freight operations, and collections focused on unusual EMD and Progress Rail diesel power.

Explore more premium locomotives and rolling stock in our Athearn Genesis collection, shop additional Athearn model trains, or browse our complete selection of model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Looking for Athearn products available now? Browse our Athearn in-stock products. For additional ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock, explore our Athearn RTR trains.

For locomotive weathering, detailing, touch-ups, and custom finishing projects, shop our selection of model paints.