Athearn Genesis SD50 Locomotive 8556
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Prototype Details
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Model Information
Model Information
The official description provided by the manufacturer.
PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION * Coupler cut levers * MU hoses EMD introduced the new 3,500 horsepower SD50 in May of 1981 * Trainline hose * See-through cab windows as part of their planned "50 Series". The SD50 was, in essence, a * Full cab interior * Walkway tread transition model of the 1970s era Dash 2 series of locomotive. * Windshield wipers * Lift rings * Wire grab irons * Sander lines * DCC-ready features Quick Plug(TM) plug-and-play technology with 21-pin Originally produced by EMD as an immediate response to General NEM connector Electric's Dash 7 line of locomotives which were becoming more * Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance favorable with current roads-providing more competition for EMD. * Body-mounted McHenry(R) operating scale knuckle couplers While EMD's current SD40-2 model provided a reliable locomotive * Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined for most class 1 railroads at the time, GE Transportation was gaining flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain for trouble free operation more inroads with the 3,600hp Dash 7s. The Dash 7s boasted * All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation more modern technology and GE Transportation was providing * All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow * Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track competitive financing and maintenance programs to assist * LED Lighting for trouble free operation purchasers of their offerings. While EMD's SD45 and SD45-2s - * Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power with their 3,600 horsepower were successful, the large 20-cylinder * Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field engines were not fuel-efficient. This lack of efficiency, alongside measurements, photographs, and more reported issues of reliability, caused many railroads to rethink their * Accurately-painted and -printed paint schemes motive power provder. This was further magnified in the 1970s * Packaging securely holds the model for safe storage when the fuel crisis impacted general transportation as well as the * Minimum radius: 22" railroad industry. In May of 1981, EMD unveiled the new SD50 which would feature an updated version of the V16 645 from the venerable SD40-2, upgraded to 3,500 hp at 900rpm. The SD50 had a longer frame and much longer long hood than its predecessors. Other improvements came from moving the dynamic brake resistors for the dynamic brake grid from the traditional location above the prime mover to a cooler temperature location in front of the engine compartment air intakes, closer to the electrical switchgear. This, in turn, separated them from other systems, resulting in simplified maintenance for both the prime mover as well as the electrical system. A grand total of 426 units were produced when production ceased in Feb of 1986. $269.99 w/o SOUND | $369.99 w/ SOUND These items are subject to Horizon's MAP policy VISIT Your Local Retailer Orders Due: 07.26.24 CLICK Athearn.com ETA: NOVEMBER 2025 CALL 1.800.338.4639
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Initial Source: 01_GENHO_SD50_062824.pdf