In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn HO scale Electro-Motive Division SD40-2. Cody begins with the prototype history, noting that EMD produced more than 3,900 units between January 1972 and February 1986. These six-axle units were rated at 3,000 horsepower and featured a 16-cylinder 645E3C diesel engine.
The review sample is decorated as Burlington Northern No. 8166, featuring factory-applied details such as a snow plow, wire grab irons, and flexible rubber MU hoses. Equipped with an Econami sound decoder, the model showcases functions like the Leslie three-chime air horn, diesel engine rumble, and coupler crash. Available in several schemes, including Santa Fe, Conrail, and Union Pacific, DC models retail for $169.99, while sound-equipped versions retail for $239.99.
The legendary sd40 the king of the switchers can’t have a local train without it.