HO EMD SD38 Locomotive with DCC and Sound, CR #6947 (ATH-1445)

HO Scale EMD SD38 Locomotive with DCC and Sound, road number 6947, is a meticulously detailed, ready-to-run representation of General Motors’ six-axle SD38 diesel-electric locomotive from the late 1960s. This HO model is built around a heavy die-cast frame for traction, powered by a 5-pole motor with precision flywheels and a multi-link drive for smooth, quiet operation. It features fine-scale handrails, see-through cab windows, separately applied air tanks and fuel tank, and see-through dynamic brake and radiator fans for authentic detail. Painted and decorated, it rolls on RP25-wheel contours with McHenry scale knuckle couplers and LED headlights (ditch lights and beacons where applicable), and ships fully assembled and ready to run with a DCC-ready 21-pin NEM plug for easy decoder upgrades.

Sight and sound come alive with Onboard Econami Sound by SoundTraxx on the sound-equipped variant, delivering engine, horn, and bell sounds that work in both DC and DCC, with full DCC functionality when used in DCC mode. The locomotive offers excellent slow-speed performance and NMRA-compatible functions in DCC, plus realistic lighting effects and the ability to program multiple-unit lashups. It’s a strong foundation for weathering, including a “Primed for Grime” option that provides a realistic starting point for grime and rust. Designed for HO layouts, it fits radii as small as 18 inches (22 inches recommended) and pairs a six-axle frame with all-wheel drive and reliable electrical pickup for dependable operation on a busy layout. For added realism, it’s compatible with Genesis motor retrofit if you’re expanding the power and performance.