The Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 recently arrived at our offices. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the four-axle road switcher and Milwaukee Road No. 363; points out the many prototype-specific details on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on our review sample, which has a dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder. Then watch the GP38-2 switch cars on the Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch.
In addition to Milwaukee Road (orange and black), the Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 is decorated for BNSF Ry. (Heritage I), Chehalis Western (yellow and black), EMD Leasing (Operation Lifesaver and burgundy, silver, and gray schemes), Norfolk Southern (black and white), and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray). The locomotive is available in two to three road numbers per name.
The GP38-2 has an injection-molded plastic shell; die-cast metal chassis; and Genesis driveline with five-pole skew-wound motor, machined flywheels, and multi-link drive train. The model features a variety of factory-applied detail parts, including Celcon handrails and stanchions; plastic uncoupling levers, train line hoses, and m.u. hoses; metal lift rings; formed-wire grab irons; and a detailed cab interior. The road switcher also has illuminated number boxes, and select road names have working class lights. The locomotive has a minimum radius of 18” and a recommended radius of 22”.
Direct-current models with a 21-pin NEM connector are priced at $229.99. Versions with a dual-mode SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoder and dual cube speakers retail for $329.99.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
