Athearn Genesis G69243 HO Scale EMD SD70M Union Pacific “American Flag” UP 5222 – with DCC

USED

Continuing upon the successful SD60-series, in 1992 EMD debuted the next step in locomotive evolution with the SD70. While outwardly similar at first glance to the SD60, the D.C.-drive SD70 featured several external design refinements from the predecessor model. Battery boxes were relocated to the left-hand side walkway immediately behind the cab, a large, boxy forward traction motor blower housing replaced the angular version used on SD60s, the raised walkway duct on the left hand walkway was eliminated, and an intake for the rear traction motor blower on the left hand side of the carbody, directly under the rear radiator intake grill, was added.

Internally, the SD70 boasted improvements as well; a 16-710GB prime mover, rated at 4,000hp, was coupled to a new alternator design, the AR20. New D70TR traction motors were standard, and controlling all of this power and locomotive function was EMD’s new EM2000 microprocessor, which boasted more memory, twice the processing speed, and improved locomotive self-diagnostic capabilities compared to the processor suite used in the SD60. Even more revolutionary was the inclusion of EMD’s patented “Radial” truck design, the HTC-R. This design, which made its debut under EMD Demo SD60 #3, replaced the venerable HT-C truck, and is unique in its ability to shift, or “steer”, the wheelsets laterally through curves, resulting in greatly reduced wheelset and track wear, and coupled with the new D70TR traction motors and EM2000 microprocessor, greatly improved adhesion.

Continuing with previous practice, EMD built a set of Demonstrator SD70Ms, EMD 7000-7002, all equipped with the North American safety-cab (hence the “M” in their model designation), and decked out in an attractive gray, silver, and burgundy paint scheme. These units travelled all over North America, showing off the latest technology from EMD. Eastern giant Norfolk Southern liked what it saw, and was the first to order SD70s, but with a twist; instead of having them equipped with the increasingly popular (and soon to be standard) “M” cab, they opted for standard, or “Spartan” cabs on their initial orders. The first production SD70s, NS 2501-2506, built in 1993, were quickly followed by additional units; NS 2507-2531, also built in 1993, and NS 2532-2556, built in 1994. They could be found in a variety of assignments over the NS system, and even saw run-through service on connecting roads, such as Southern Pacific, making appearances on the West Coast.

Union Pacific was the largest purchaser of the SD70M model, with over 1400 eventually on the roster. With such a large group of locomotives, there are many variations between orders.

The 5127-5231 number group-some of the last that were produced for the UP-are depicted here. These late production units feature several key characteristics including 4-panel flared radiators (which have never before been offered before), phase II cabs, & late profile fuel tanks.

FEATURES:

• SD70M phase II body with 4-panel flared radiators
• Freight type brakewheel
• Late dynamic brake intake grills
• K-3 horn
• Phase II cab
• Square nose door without window
• Can antenna & GPS dome
• Spare knuckles on rear pilot
• AEI tags mounted on the jacking pads
• UP style low plow with no doors
• Prime air filters
• Late HTCR trucks with single sanding lines
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• Front / rear trainline and MU hoses with silver ends
• Coupler cut levers with loops per prototype
• Sunshades and sunshade tracks per prototype
• Roof details such as antennas, air conditioners, beacons, and conduits per prototype
• Operating ditch lights
• MU receptacles and cables per prototype
• Pilot face spare knuckles and brackets per prototype
• Early or late anticlimbers
• 3 or 4 step walkways
• AEI tags mounted on the frame or jacking pads per prototype
• Safety tread on the walkways
• Several types of fuel tanks, all featuring separate gauges, sight glasses, and breather piping
• Anti-glare panel painted on the nose
• Windshield wipers
• Tinted or clear cab windows per prototype
• Detailed and painted cab interior with control stand, display screens, detailed crew seats
• Standard or Freight-style brake wheel
• See-through radiator fans
• Lift rings
• Factory installed wire grab irons
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• Underframe mounted bell- regular or electronic
• Low mount stepwell lights (non-operating)
• Dual sanding lines
• Rear pilot drop grab iron (MU hose retainer) pre prototype
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with both 8- and 9-pin connector
• McHenry lower-shelf scale knuckle spring couplers
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Accurately painted and printed paint schemes
• 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
• Incandescent bulbs for realistic appearance
• Bidirectional constant lighting so headlight brightness remains constant
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage
• Minimum radius: 18″
• Recommended radius: 22″

NOTES:

• DCC (Non-Sound) Decoder installed Programmed to Roadnumber
• Ditchlights programmed to F5, Front and Rear
• Headlight tested OK

NOTE: NOS (New Old Stock) / USED items are as-is and not returnable. If you have any questions please ask before purchasing.