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.
One comment on the loco and two on the layout.
Sadly, I don’t think that any of Athearn’s locos are furnished with any form of a “keep-alive” circuit, very valuable with today’s slow speeds. Has to be an owner upgrade.
Noticed that the track at the section break was not smooth. Slight height difference between modules evident as the train bumped over the transition. Needs more careful alignment when joining section ends. Also, no switches have any switchstand to “throw” the points. Frustrating for the modeled HO brakeman. A worthwhile scenic detail.