PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
In 1966, EMD updated its locomotive catalog with entirely new models, all powered by the new 645 diesel engine. The SD39 had 2,300 hp from a turbocharged V12. The SD39 had the smallest prime mover of the SD locomotives in the EMD catalog. 54 were built for American railroads. (Wikipedia)

Overview

ATSF FEATURES: 
In the mid-1980s Santa Fe decided to upgrade and extend the lives of their original SD39 fleet. Beginning in 1985 these units were re-manufactured by the San Bernardino CA Shops and reclassified as SD39u's. They were renumbered into the 1556-1575 number class and were designated as heavy switchers. The upgrades included updated wiring, new controls for hump service, and completely rebuilt engines. They were assigned to Barstow CA and Argentine KS yards, but could be found roaming the system. They were mated to rebuilt six-axle slugs for hump service. Our models include the specific details such as, relocated nose headlight, tall cab-mounted horn, antenna with stand, and front/rear slug MU boxes. Since Santa Fe was known for changing out air conditioners, we included both Prime and Vapor versions.

ROAD NUMBER FEATURES: 
Tall mounted cab horn, rear brake wheel, Sinclair antenna w/ stand, no plows, nose mounted headlight, special ATSF-style slug MU boxes on each end. Both Prime and Vapor A/C's included in poly bag.

SD39 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES: 
• Separately applied air tanks
• Coupler cut levers
• Rubber MU hoses
• Photo-etch stainless steel windshield wipers
• Fine scale handrails
• Non-sound version features 21-pin NEM DCC plug
• See-through dynamic brake and radiator fans
• Curved radiator fan grab iron
• Exhaust stack
• Frame-mounted bell (unless noted)
• Detailed 4000 gallon fuel tank (unless different capacity is noted)
• Flexicoil-C trucks with high or low brake cylinders (per prototype)
• McHenry® scale knuckle spring couplers
• See-through cab windows
• Bi-directional LED lighting
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup
• 5-pole motor with flywheels and multi-link drivetrain for trouble-free operation
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
• Highly-detailed, injection molded body
• Minimum radius: 18"
• Recommended radius: 22"

PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE:
• Duplicated look and feel of "In Service"equipment
• Faded base colors matched to the prototype
• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

SOUND EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE
• Onboard Econami sound decoder by Soundtraxx
• Engine startup sound sequence
• Dynamic brake sound or Non-Dynamic Straight to idle on F4
• Extra prime mover and horn sounds exclusive to Athearn 
• Sounds recorded from a real EMD 12-645E3
• Multiple bell sound files user configurable via Configuration Value (CV)
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC
• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
• Excellent Slow speed control
• Current Keeper ready with on board expansion plug
• Operating lighting functions with F5 and/or F6
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via CV changes