HO EMD SW1500 Locomotive GN #208 (ATH-2520)

HO-scale EMD SW1500 Switcher Locomotive in Great Northern livery (GN 208) is a detailed model designed for yard and industrial switching on model railroad layouts. This Athearn replica reproduces the 1,500-horsepower diesel switcher built by EMD between 1966 and 1974, recognizable by its twin exhaust stacks and bulkier silhouette. The model features fine-scale handrails, see-through radiator and cab windows, printed numberboards, operating ground lights, and LED lighting for long-lasting, realistic operation. It rides on RP25-contour wheels with McHenry scale knuckle couplers for reliable coupling and uses an all-wheel-drive drivetrain for smooth, quiet performance. It is compatible with both DC and DCC power, with Quick Plug 21-pin NEM for easy decoder upgrades, and a minimum 18-inch radius to accommodate a wide range of layouts.

Sound-equipped variants add an onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Econami sound, a single-cube speaker, and engine, horn, and bell sounds that operate in both DC and DCC modes (some functions limited in DC). All functions are NMRA-compatible when in DCC mode, and many settings can be tuned via CV changes, with a CV chart included. The GN paint scheme can be expanded with Legendary Liveries—Athearn’s exclusive line of popular or alternate schemes—perfect for protofreelancing, display, or adding variety to a locomotive roster.