Athearn G27324 HO SD90MAC-H W/DCC/Sound – Union Pacific #8500

PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
After additional refinement by EMD, the twin-turbo, 4-cycle 256H prime
mover was ready for a locomotive. While none of the convertible SD90MAC
(SD9043MAC) were ever upgraded as intended with this 6000 hp power
plant, a slightly different car-body was introduced with the SD90MAC-H to
house this powerhouse. The Phase 1 version shares the same safety cab
as the SD80MAC and SD90MAC, but refinements in engine cooling was
required for the 256H resulted in the most visible difference, a sloped hood
above the prime mover. Ultimately railroads lost interest in the race for the
most horsepower and with more stringent emissions regulations, the reign
of the 256H prime mover was ending. A total of 22 SD90MAC-H Phase 1
locomotive were produced, all for the Union Pacific. Production began in 1996
and lasted until Phase 2 SD90MAC began in 1999, with all 22 locomotives
scrapped by 2009 at the end of their lease. One locomotive, EMDX #8204
wore a unique demonstrator scheme in honor of GM/EMD’s 75th Anniversary
and was seen proudly on display at their 1997 La Grange, Illinois open house.
The Athearn Genesis 2.0 SD90MAC-H features all of the cutting-edge detail
and operational features that are expected by discerning modelers: Working
number boards and ground lights, see-through steps, numerous separatelyapplied details on the body and underframe, and a heavy die-cast frame for
massive pulling power.

SD90MAC SERIES LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:
• Brand new model previously only available in brass
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with 21-pin
NEM connector
• Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings,
photographs, and more
• Coupler cut levers • Rubber MU hoses
• Trainline hose • See-through cab windows
• Full cab interior • Walkway tread
• Windshield wipers • Lift rings
• Wire grab irons • Sander lines
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
• McHenry® scale knuckle couplers – Kadee® compatible
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, and precision
machined flywheels
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• LED Lighting for realistic appearance
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage
GENESIS 2.0 FEATURES:
By integrating and pioneering some of the latest model advancements in
the industry, Athearn is redefining model fidelity with Genesis 2.0
• Etched, see-through walkway steps
• Illuminated number boards
• Illuminated ground lights
• DCC+Sound models feature dual Sugarcube speakers for optimal
sound quality

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE
• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound
• Dual cube speakers for optimal sound quality
• 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
• Precision slow speed control
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box