Modeling Reviews Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45 diesel locomotive

Athearn Genesis HO EMD FP45 diesel locomotive

By Kent Johnson | October 15, 2025

See the six-axle road unit in action in this product review video

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In this product review video, Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno examines the Athearn Genesis HO scale (1:87.1) EMD FP45 diesel locomotive. Cody starts with the prototype history of the FP45, which was produced by the Electro-Motive Division from 1967 through 1968, resulting in 14 units built for the Santa Fe and Milwaukee Road.

The review sample is decorated as Milwaukee Road No. 4, a unit built in December 1968. The model features numerous factory-installed details, including a passenger pilot plow, plastic handrails, wire grab irons, and a detailed cab interior. The specific model reviewed represents the unit in its later orange-and-black freight scheme, complete with a winterization hatch and a non-dynamic brake housing.

The review sample, equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder, showcases features like the electronic bell, Leslie three-chime air horn, and rooftop beacon. The Athearn EMD FP45 is available in various paint schemes, including Milwaukee Road (orange-and-black), Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Superfleet and pinstripe schemes), and a fictional Chicago, Burlington & Quincy scheme. DC models with a 21-pin NEM connector retail for $219.99 to $229.99, and versions with the Tsunami2 sound decoder sell for $319.99.

Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
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