Athearn Genesis HO GP9 Union Pacific “Serves All The West” w/ DCC & Sound

Description

Railroad Short Name: UP

Prototype and Background Information:

In 1949, EMD introduced the GP7. The basic design followed most diesel switchers with the addition of a short hood instead of an end-cab. The hoods were also full height to better accommodate the diesel engine and mechanical and electrical components.

In 1954 EMD upgraded the GP7 to become the 1,750 horsepower GP9. Externally, the first GP9s were virtually unchanged from the last GP7s. Later versions would include different louver arrangements and the last ones would come without the frame skirting. The GP9 was available with all of the fuel tank, steam generator, and dynamic brake options as the GP7, including “torpedo tube” air tanks mounted on the roof.

Many railroads chose to rebuild their GP7s and GP9s for continued service. Often times, it was cheaper to do this rather than purchasing brand-new locomotives.

UP Features:

• Phase III Cab Unit- First time in Genesis
• Dynamic brakes
• Underframe mounted bell
• Phase I B-units
• Winterization hatch

UP’s Phase III GP9’s began service on the UP in 1957 lasting into the 1970’s. While the majority of these 300 class units were modified significantly there were 5 that survived in their as-built configuration all the way up until retirement. We are offering 3 of them in this production run. Note that they could be seen in service with the UP’s “Veranda” style Turbines.

UP’s fleet of 75 Phase I GP9B units were built in in the Spring of 1954 and remained in service until the mid-1970’s. These ubiquitous units could be seen in service system wide on mainline freights as well as branch line locals. They could also be seen with in service assisting Veranda Turbines.

Locomotive Features:

• Trainline and MU hoses
• Coupler cut levers
• Drop steps unless noted
• MU stands
• “Nub” style walkway tread
• Bell placement & type per prototype
• Fine-scale handrails for scale appearance
• Wire grab irons
• Lift rings
• Windshield wipers
• See-through cab windows and full cab interior
• Etched metal radiator intake grilles and fan grilles
• Air tanks mounted below sill unless noted
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, breather pipes, and retention tanks
• Blomberg-B trucks with appropriate bearing caps
• Sander lines
• Speed recorder unless noted
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Accurately-painted and printed paint schemes
• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain for trouble free operation
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Bidirectional constant LED lighting so headlight brightness remains constant
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Packaging securely holds the model for safe storage
• Replacement parts available
• Minimum radius: 18”

Sound Features:

• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box