In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale GE Dash 9-44CW diesel locomotive. Cody begins with the prototype history of the Dash 9 series, noting that General Electric produced more than 3,600 units between 1993 and 2004. These six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 horsepower and featured a 7FDL16 diesel engine.
The review sample is decorated as BNSF No. 960, featuring factory-applied details such as a snow plow, wire grab irons, and see-through metal steps. Equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoder, the model showcases functions like the three-chime air horn, crew chatter, and fuel loading sequences. Available in several schemes, including Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, and Canadian National, DC models retail for $259.99, while sound-equipped versions retail for $359.99.
