Shopping Cart
The Athearn HO scale SD39 arrives in the Santa Fe blue and yellow livery, one of the most recognisable schemes in North American railroading. This unit, road number #1573 of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, comes fully assembled and ready to run on both analogue DC and digital DCC, with Econami by SoundTraxx sound installed at the factory.
Sound and electronics from the moment you unbox it
The Econami by SoundTraxx system reproduces the distinctive roar of the turbocharged EMD 645 prime mover, along with horn and bell. The 21-pin NEM DCC interface handles lighting effects functions (F5/F6), multiple-unit (MU) operation and slow-speed control, all within NMRA standards. LED lighting covers the front, rear and ditch lights, with directional behaviour that follows the direction of travel.
Mechanics built for reliable on-track performance
The die-cast metal chassis provides the weight needed for stable traction. The 5-pole skew-wound motor with precision flywheels delivers smooth running even at low speeds, with all-wheel current pickup. Scale McHenry spring couplers and RP25 wheels round out a solid mechanical foundation. Athearn specifies a minimum radius of 18 inches, with 22 inches recommended for optimal operation.
Presence on the track and in a consist
Separately applied details scale handrails, air tanks, clear cab windows, dynamic brake fans and clear radiator grilles give this SD39 a refined visual quality that really shows in motion. Leading an American diesel-era consist, the Santa Fe blue and yellow livery sets the tone of the train with a personality that is hard to overlook. Also compatible with the Genesis motor kit ATHG63839 for those looking to explore mechanical upgrade options.