Explore the Athearn ATHG71814 GP38 - 2 model of the Grand Trunk Western #5853 in HO scale. This locomotive comes with DCC and Sound Tsunami, offering an immersive experience. The GTW version has unique features like ex - Rock Island heritage, mid/late phase design, a large anticlimber, 3600 - gallon fuel tank, Xenon Strobe, M - 3 Horn, small EMD front plow, Blomberg B trucks, firecracker antenna, and an 88” nose with removed class lights. After the Rock Island's end in 1980, GTW bought some GP38 - 2s and painted them in a cool red and blue scheme. Our models are from the pre - ditch light era. Road numbers like #5853, #5861, and #5856 have specific features such as large GT logos, long - hood or cab - mounted horns, operational white Xenon beacons with DCC, and all - weather windows. The GP38 - 2 locomotive itself has many great features. It has coupler cut levers, flexible rubber hoses, see - through cab windows, a full cab interior, walkway tread, windshield wipers, and more. It uses fine - scale Celcon handrails for a realistic look and McHenry® scale knuckle couplers that are Kadee® compatible. It's DCC - ready with Quick Plug™ technology and a 21 - pin NEM connector. The Genesis driveline with a 5 - pole skew wound motor ensures smooth and quiet operation. All - wheel drive and electrical pickup provide reliable performance, and the wheels with RP25 contours work on popular tracks. It has LED lighting, a heavy die - cast frame for better traction, and comes fully assembled and ready to run. The primed - for - grime models replicate the 'In Service' look, with faded base colors. The sound - equipped models feature an onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, working in both DC and DCC. The GP38 - 2 prototype has a long - standing history, serving various railway jobs for over 40 years. Specifications include DCC equipment, Tsunami2 sound, EMD as the prototype manufacturer, 4 axles, LED lighting, a minimum age recommendation of 14 years, and no assembly required.

Using your Athearn GP38 - 2 model train is easy. First, make sure you have a suitable track with a minimum radius of 18 inches. If you're using DCC, connect the locomotive to your DCC system using the Quick Plug™ plug - and - play technology with the 21 - pin NEM connector. For DC operation, simply connect the power. When running the train, enjoy the smooth and quiet operation thanks to the all - wheel drive and precision gears. The sound - equipped models will produce engine, horn, and bell sounds. You can also program multiple unit (MU) lashups in DCC mode. As for maintenance, keep the locomotive clean. You can use a soft brush to remove dust from the body, wheels, and electrical contacts. Avoid getting the model wet. If you want to add grime or rust to the primed - for - grime models, you can use appropriate model - painting techniques. Always store the locomotive in its packaging to protect it. And remember, this product is recommended for users aged 14 years and above.