The latest product sample from Athearn Trains sent me on a nostalgia trip. Inside was Burlington Northern Santa Fe Dash 9-44CW 960. The HO scale model, from the manufacturer’s Genesis series, was decorated in the railroad’s Heritage I paint scheme. I immediately flashed back to the second half of 1996 when these units were making their inaugural trips through my hometown on the newly-formed railroad.
Prototype history
General Electric produced the Dash 9-44CW and related engines, including the Dash 9-40C, Dash 9-40CW, and Dash 9-44CWL, between 1993 and 2004. During that time, more than 3,600 units were built. Features on the Dash 9-series of locomotives included a 7FDL16 diesel engine, a GMG197 alternator, and 752AH traction motors. The six-axle units were rated between 4,000 and 4,400 horsepower.
The sample we received is decorated as BNSF 960, the class unit of the railroad’s 960 through 1123 series. The locomotive was built by General Electric in July 1996 under order number 1872. The Dash 9-44CW was sold in April 2025. It is still in service today as GECX 960.
Model features
Athearn’s model has a plastic shell with factory-applied plastic, formed wire, and etched-metal detail parts; a die-cast metal chassis; and illuminated number boxes, ground lights above the front trucks, and walkway lights.
The Dash 9 models have a mix of universal and prototype-specific details. Among the details shared across road names are plastic uncoupling levers, train line and m.u. hoses, Celcon handrails, and a detailed cab interior.
Product features on the three units decorated in BNSF’s Heritage I scheme include high mounted number boards, front ditch lights, a standard brass bell (located on the fireman’s side of the fuel tank), a Nathan AirChime K3 air horn, and a Santa Fe-style “Gullwing” cab.
The Hi-Ad trucks are painted silver, making the details much easier to see. Factory-applied parts on the trucks include brake cylinders, brake line plumbing, shock struts, and rotating bearing caps. The rear truck on the fireman’s side has a brake chain and bracket.
In addition, the model includes a small packet of parts, including spare bearing caps, lift rings, and an antenna dome with pipe.
Model vs. prototype
The orange and green paint on BNSF 960 is smooth and evenly applied. At 32″, the lettering on the long hood follows prototype practice. The yellow stripes between colors are opaque. Placement of the lettering, herald, and other graphics followed the many prototype images found online.
Though sales literature lists the era for the Heritage I units as 1996+, it’s a bit later than that based on a couple of features. The initial units (the exact number isn’t certain, but it was around a dozen) had red walkways. Engines 960 through 1034 were delivered with 12″ cab numbers; the remaining units had 15″ numbers. Athearn’s version of the 960 has orange walkways and 15″ numbers. Based on photos it appears the 960 received larger cab numbers in the early 2000s.
Prototype drawings of the GE Dash 9-44CW were published in the 1997 Car and Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practices (Simmons-Boardman Books Inc.) The Athearn Genesis model matches or is within scale inches of published data.
Our review sample features a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoder. I first put the six-axle road unit on our test track, which is equipped with an NCE Power Cab. At step 1, the Dash 9-44CW moved at 4 scale mph. By step 28, the diesel was moving at 78 smph. The full-size locomotive’s top speed was 70 mph.
Next, I took the Athearn Genesis model over to our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy East Troy Industrial Park layout. I used the Dash 9 to work the interchange at Mukwonago, Wis. The model operated flawlessly.
It’s hard to believe nearly 30 years have passed since those new BNSF Ry. Dash 9s were leading grain trains through my hometown. Thanks to Athearn, memories like this can be re-created in HO scale.
Click here to watch video of the Athearn Genesis HO GE Dash 9-44CW in action on our Milwaukee, Racine & Troy East Troy Industrial Park layout.
Facts & features
Price: Direct-current model with 21-pin NEM connector, $259.99; with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, $359.99
Manufacturer
Athearn Trains
2904 Research Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
athearn.com
Road names: BNSF Ry.; Arizona & California; Canadian National (C44-9WL); Quebec, North Shore & Labrador; Norfolk Southern (Dash 9-40CW); and Union Pacific. Two to three road numbers per road name.
Era: 1993 to present (varies based on paint scheme)
Features
- McHenry plastic scale couplers, at correct height
- Metal wheel stubs on plastic drive axle gears, in gauge
- Minimum radius, 18″; recommended radius, 22″
- Weight: 1 pound, 5.8 ounces
