Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2727 EMD GP39-2 Phase IIB DCC Ready Locomotive

Recreate modern BNSF Railway freight operations with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2727 EMD GP39-2 diesel locomotive. This premium four-axle road switcher represents a former Burlington Northern locomotive in BNSF service, featuring the late-production Phase IIB body, authentic railroad lettering, and road-number-specific exterior equipment.

With its low-nose front headlight, strobe beacon, corrugated radiator grilles, and Q-style cooling fans, BNSF #2727 captures the appearance of a distinctive modern GP39-2. Supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, the locomotive is designed for conventional DC operation while providing flexibility for a future digital decoder installation.

Explore additional HO scale locomotives to expand your modern diesel locomotive roster.

Burlington Northern Heritage in BNSF Service

Burlington Northern purchased 40 late-production EMD GP39-2 locomotives in 1981. These four-axle road switchers featured a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 diesel engine producing 2,300 horsepower, offering efficient motive power for freight and switching assignments.

When Burlington Northern and Santa Fe merged in 1995, the GP39-2 fleet became part of BNSF Railway. Many former BN locomotives retained their original paint schemes for years, while others eventually received updated BNSF corporate colors.

During the late 2010s, BNSF began repainting additional GP39-2 locomotives and adapting selected units for specialized yard service. These locomotives continued to be useful for local freight and switching operations.

Athearn Genesis reproduces BNSF #2727 with its distinctive Phase IIB body and road-specific details, including the low-nose headlight and strobe beacon.

BNSF #2727 Road-Specific Features

• Authentic BNSF Railway paint and lettering
• Late-production Phase IIB EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Former Burlington Northern prototype configuration
• Low-nose front headlight
• Strobe beacon detail
• Modeler-applied remote antenna equipment supplied separately
• Corrugated radiator grilles
• Q-style cooling fans
• Large exhaust stack
• Front and rear ditch lights
• Removed class lights
• Nose-mounted electronic brake equipment
• Electronic bell detail
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Detailed Blomberg trucks

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Decoder Interface

The Athearn Genesis GP39-2 BNSF #2727 includes Athearn's 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 an excellent option for model railroaders who prefer traditional DC operation or want to select their own digital 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
• Factory-installed LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• Strobe beacon detail for compatible DCC lighting effects
• No factory-installed sound decoder or speakers

Browse our selection of HO scale diesel locomotives to compare available DC, DCC Ready, and DCC/Sound locomotive models.

Athearn Genesis Drivetrain and Detailed Construction

The Genesis GP39-2 combines a precision mechanical drivetrain with extensive factory-installed detailing for realistic HO scale railroad operations.

A five-pole skew-wound motor, precision-machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain provide smooth locomotive performance. All-wheel drive and electrical pickup help maintain dependable traction and current collection, while the heavy die-cast frame adds weight for pulling freight cars.

• 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 Modern BNSF Local Freight and Switching Operations

BNSF's GP39-2 locomotives are well suited for HO scale layouts depicting modern freight assignments requiring versatile four-axle diesel power. Model railroaders can use BNSF #2727 for local freight trains, industrial switching, yard transfers, and multiple-unit locomotive consists.

Its Phase IIB body, former Burlington Northern heritage, and distinctive low-nose headlight make it an interesting addition to a contemporary BNSF locomotive roster.

For model railroaders who prefer factory-installed sound, BNSF #2727 is also represented in Athearn's separate DCC/Sound-equipped release. This DCC Ready version provides an alternative for custom decoder installations.

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

Athearn Genesis BNSF GP39-2 #2727 Specifications

• Brand: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1966
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive Model: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: BNSF Railway
• Reporting Mark: BNSF
• Road Number: 2727
• Original Railroad: Burlington Northern
• Body: Phase IIB
• Headlight: Low-Nose Front Headlight
• Beacon: Strobe Beacon
• Antennas: Modeler-Applied Remote Antenna Equipment Included
• Radiator Grilles: Corrugated
• Cooling Fans: Q-Style
• 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
• Era: 2010–Present

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

Add the Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2 BNSF #2727 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.