The Athearn ATHG65818 SD45 - 2 represents the Seaboard Coast Line's SCL #2045 in HO scale. It comes equipped with DCC and Sound Tsunami2. The Seaboard Coast Line's predecessor, the Atlantic Coast Line, started buying SD45s in 1968, and the trend continued after the merger. By 1974, EMD launched the upgraded SD45 - 2, and SCL bought 15 of them. The SD45 - 2 locomotive has great features like coupler cut levers, MU hoses, and see - through cab windows. It also has a full cab interior, walkway tread, and windshield wipers. The model uses fine - scale Celcon handrails for a realistic look. It has a detailed fuel tank, McHenry® scale knuckle couplers (Kadee® compatible), and DCC - ready Quick Plug™ technology. The Genesis driveline with a 5 - pole skew wound motor ensures smooth and quiet operation. All - wheel drive and electrical pickup provide reliable performance. The wheels with RP25 contours work on all popular track brands. The heavy die - cast frame offers more traction and pulling power. The sound - equipped models feature an onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, which operates in both DC and DCC. The SD45 - 2 was a successful upgrade in EMD's 'Dash 2' line and was popular among owners.

Using this Athearn SD45 - 2 model is easy. First, make sure you have the right power source, whether it's DC or DCC. If you're using DCC, you can program various functions according to your needs. When running the locomotive on the track, ensure the track is clean for smooth operation. For storage, use the secure packaging to keep the model safe. When it comes to maintenance, regularly clean the wheels and electrical contacts to maintain good current flow. You can also check the couplers and hoses to make sure they're in good condition. Avoid exposing the model to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage the components. And always follow the instructions for any programming or sound - related adjustments to get the best performance out of your model.