Athearn Genesis HO Scale Santa Fe ATSF #3640 EMD GP39-2 DCC Ready Locomotive

Recreate classic Santa Fe Railway diesel operations with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale ATSF #3640 EMD GP39-2 Phase I locomotive. This premium four-axle road switcher features authentic Santa Fe paint and lettering, prototype-specific equipment, and Athearn's smooth-running Genesis mechanical drivetrain.

Designed for conventional DC operation with the flexibility to add a digital decoder, ATSF #3640 is DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM Quick Plug interface. Its early Phase I body, rear-mounted fuel tank, Stratolite cab beacon, and Leslie 3-chime horn make it an excellent choice for model railroaders assembling a detailed Santa Fe locomotive fleet.

Explore additional HO scale locomotives to expand your motive power roster.

The Santa Fe Railway's EMD GP39-2 Locomotives

Electro-Motive Division introduced the GP39-2 in 1974 as a four-axle diesel-electric road switcher powered by a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 engine. Producing 2,300 horsepower, the GP39-2 provided a fuel-efficient alternative to larger diesel locomotives while retaining the versatility needed for freight and switching assignments.

Santa Fe became one of the largest purchasers of the GP39-2, initially assigning these locomotives to fast freight service. Over time, their efficient engines and four-axle configuration made them especially useful on local freight trains and road-switching assignments.

Athearn Genesis recreates Santa Fe ATSF #3640 with the original Phase I body and railroad-specific exterior equipment, including a rear-mounted fuel tank, large front anticlimber, and switcher-style walkway steps.

Santa Fe ATSF #3640 Road-Specific Features

• Authentic Santa Fe Railway paint and lettering
• Early Phase I EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Rear-mounted fuel tank
• Large front anticlimber
• Stratolite cab beacon detail
• Switcher-style walkway steps
• Leslie 3-chime locomotive horn
• Small EMD front plow
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Detailed Blomberg trucks
• Prototype-appropriate fuel tank and underbody components

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Decoder Interface

The Athearn Genesis GP39-2 Santa Fe #3640 includes a factory-installed Quick Plug decoder interface with a 21-pin NEM connector for compatible aftermarket DCC decoder installation.

This version operates on conventional DC power as supplied and does not include a factory-installed sound decoder or speakers. It is ideal for model railroaders who prefer DC operation or want to select their own DCC decoder for future conversion.

• Factory DCC Ready configuration
• Conventional DC operation out of the box
• 21-pin NEM Quick Plug decoder connector
• Compatible with appropriately selected aftermarket DCC decoders
• LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• No factory-installed sound decoder or speakers

Browse additional HO scale diesel locomotives to compare available DC, DCC Ready, and DCC/Sound models.

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain and Detailed Construction

The Genesis GP39-2 combines precision mechanical engineering with extensive factory-installed details for realistic HO scale railroad operation.

A five-pole skew-wound motor, precision-machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain provide smooth performance, while all-wheel drive and electrical pickup help maintain dependable traction and current collection.

A heavy die-cast frame adds weight for pulling freight cars, and RP25 wheel contours provide compatibility with popular HO scale track systems.

• HO scale 1:87 construction
• Five-pole skew-wound motor
• Precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link all-wheel-drive drivetrain
• All-wheel electrical pickup
• Heavy die-cast chassis
• Factory-installed wire grab irons and lift rings
• Detailed windshield wipers
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails
• Etched metal fan grilles
• See-through cab windows with detailed interior
• Detailed walkway tread and drop steps
• Fuel tank fillers, gauges, and breather pipes
• Trainline hoses, MU hoses, and coupler cut levers
• Detailed Blomberg trucks
• Body-mounted McHenry knuckle couplers compatible with Kadee couplers
• RP25 wheel contours
• Minimum recommended operating radius of 18 inches

Model Santa Fe Local Freight and Switching Operations

Santa Fe's GP39-2 locomotives were well suited for a variety of freight assignments requiring versatile four-axle diesel power. Model railroaders can use ATSF #3640 for local freight movements, industrial switching, yard transfers, and multiple-unit locomotive consists.

Its original Phase I configuration makes this model particularly appropriate for layouts depicting Santa Fe operations during the late 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.

For model railroaders who prefer a factory-installed sound system, Santa Fe ATSF #3640 is also represented in Athearn's separate DCC/Sound-equipped release. This DCC Ready version provides an alternative for custom decoder installations.

Discover more road numbers and configurations in our Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives collection.

Athearn Genesis Santa Fe GP39-2 #3640 Specifications

• Brand: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1964
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive Model: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: Santa Fe Railway
• Reporting Mark: ATSF
• Road Number: 3640
• Body: Early Phase I
• Horn: Leslie 3-Chime
• Beacon: Stratolite Cab Beacon
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Interface: Quick Plug 21-Pin NEM
• Factory Sound: Not Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B
• Trucks: Blomberg
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2 Locomotives at Train Supply

Add the Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2 Santa Fe ATSF #3640 DCC Ready locomotive to your model railroad fleet. Browse our complete selection of HO scale model trains, diesel locomotives, freight cars, track, and railroad accessories at Train Supply.