Discover the Athearn ATHG71816 HO Scale GP38-2 locomotive representing the Grand Trunk Western #5856, equipped with DCC and the Tsunami sound system. After the Rock Island's end in 1980, the GTW bought some GP38-2s and gave them a cool red - blue paint. Our models are from the pre - ditch light era. GTW Features: Ex - Rock Island, mid/late phase, large anticlimber, 3600 - gallon fuel tank, xenon strobe, M - 3 horn, small EMD front plow, Blomberg B trucks, firecracker antenna, 88” nose with removed class lights. Road Number Specific Features: #5853: Large GT logo, long - hood mounted horn, operational white xenon beacon with DCC, all - weather window. #5861: Large GT logo, long - hood mounted horn, operational white xenon beacon with DCC, all - weather window. #5856: OLS with small GT logo, cab - mounted horn, operational white xenon beacon with DCC, all - weather window. GP38 - 2 Locomotive Features: Coupler cut levers, flexible rubber hoses, see - through cab windows, full cab interior, walkway tread, windshield wipers, lift rings, wire grab irons, sander lines, fine - scale handrails, detailed fuel tank, McHenry® scale knuckle couplers (Kadee® compatible), DCC - ready with Quick Plug™, accurately scaled, well - painted, smooth Genesis driveline, all - wheel drive, all - wheel electrical pickup, RP25 contour wheels, LED lighting, heavy die - cast frame, secure packaging, fully assembled and ready to run, minimum radius of 18”. Primed for Grime Models: Duplicate 'In Service' look, faded base colors, great for adding grime and rust. Sound - Equipped Models: Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound, works in DC and DCC, engine/horn/bell sounds in DC, NMRA - compatible in DCC, precision slow - speed control, programmable MU lashup, function - changeable via CV. Prototype Info: In the 1970s, the GP38 - 2 replaced many first - gen diesels. EMD started making it in 1972 with a 16 - cylinder, 2000 - horsepower engine. It uses an alternator and has a 'dash 2' electrical cabinet. It's been used in various jobs for over 40 years and many are still in use. Specifications: DCC equipped, Tsunami2 sound, EMD prototype manufacturer, 4 axles, LED lighting, minimum age 14 years, no assembly required.

Using your Athearn ATHG71816 HO Scale GP38 - 2 locomotive is easy. First, make sure your track is clean and properly connected. Place the locomotive on the track and power it up. If you're using DC, the engine, horn, and bell sounds will work right away. In DCC mode, you can access all the functions as it's NMRA compatible. When it comes to programming, you can use the Configuration Value (CV) changes to alter many functions. You can also program a multiple unit (MU) lashup, so only the lead unit controls the horn, bell, and lights. For storage, keep the locomotive in its original packaging as it securely holds the model. If you want to add some character to your locomotive, the primed - for - grime models are a great starting point. You can add grime and rust to give it an 'In Service' look. As for maintenance, regularly clean the wheels and electrical pickups to ensure a reliable current flow. Check the couplers and hoses for any signs of wear. Keep the locomotive away from moisture and extreme temperatures to maintain its performance. And always handle it gently to avoid damaging the delicate parts like the fine - scale handrails and the cab interior.