Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2773 EMD GP39-2u Diesel Locomotive

Bring authentic Burlington Northern Santa Fe diesel operations to your layout with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2u BNSF #2773. This detailed four-axle road switcher represents a former Santa Fe rebuilt GP39-2u locomotive wearing the BNSF Heritage I paint scheme, complete with distinctive Phase I body features and railroad-specific detailing.

Part of Athearn's premium Genesis series, this DCC Ready locomotive combines accurate exterior details, LED lighting, and a precision drivetrain for realistic freight and switching operations. It makes an excellent addition to any collection of HO scale locomotives representing North American railroading.

BNSF GP39-2u #2773 Prototype History

Electro-Motive Division introduced the GP39-2 in 1974 as a 2,300-horsepower, four-axle diesel-electric locomotive powered by a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 engine. Built for versatile road-switching and freight assignments, the GP39-2 offered railroads efficient diesel power for a wide variety of operating conditions.

Santa Fe's rebuilt GP39-2u locomotives continued serving after the formation of BNSF Railway in 1995. These rebuilt units retained many recognizable Santa Fe characteristics while gradually receiving updated BNSF paint schemes and lettering.

Athearn Genesis reproduces BNSF #2773 in its Heritage I paint scheme with a Phase I body featuring chickenwire radiator grilles, a nose-mounted headlight, and a Leslie 3-chime horn. The model also features large cab numbers, a smaller BNSF nose logo, and an additional equipment access door behind the cab.

Prototype-Specific Athearn Genesis BNSF #2773 Details

• Authentic BNSF Heritage I paint scheme with fresh repaint appearance
• Phase I GP39-2u body with chickenwire radiator grilles
• Prototype-specific nose-mounted headlight
• Leslie 3-chime locomotive horn
• Large cab numbers and small BNSF nose logo
• Additional equipment access door behind the cab
• Illuminated swing-out-style number boards
• Forward ditch lights
• Switcher-style walkway steps
• Large front anticlimber and rear-mounted fuel tank
• Newly tooled exhaust stack
• Removed class lights matching the prototype

Premium Genesis Drivetrain and HO Scale Detailing

The Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2u features a five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain engineered for smooth operation. All-wheel electrical pickup and a heavy die-cast chassis provide dependable performance during local freight movements, switching assignments, and road service.

Additional Genesis-level detailing includes factory-installed wire grab irons, lift rings, windshield wipers, etched metal fan grilles, fine-scale handrails, and detailed cab interior components.

The locomotive also features realistic fuel tank equipment, MU hoses, coupler cut levers, detailed trucks, and body-mounted McHenry knuckle couplers. LED lighting and illuminated number boards enhance its appearance during operation.

Explore additional HO scale diesel locomotives to expand your roster with other EMD, GE, and Alco diesel power.

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Decoder Interface

This Athearn Genesis BNSF #2773 GP39-2u is supplied DCC Ready and does not include factory-installed sound. Athearn Quick Plug electronics feature a 21-pin NEM connector for installing a compatible DCC decoder.

The locomotive operates on conventional DC layouts as supplied, while the decoder-ready design provides flexibility for modelers planning to upgrade to digital command control.

Model BNSF Freight and Switching Operations

The GP39-2u is an excellent choice for model railroad layouts depicting BNSF operations from the late 1990s onward. Its four-axle configuration makes it suitable for local freight trains, industrial switching, yard transfers, and multiple-unit locomotive consists.

With a recommended minimum operating radius of 18 inches, this model can accommodate a wide variety of HO scale track plans.

For additional railroad paint schemes, road numbers, and operating configurations, explore our Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives collection.

Athearn Genesis GP39-2u BNSF #2773 Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG66255
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2u
• Railroad: BNSF Railway
• Road Number: 2773
• Paint Scheme: BNSF Heritage I
• Body Configuration: Phase I with Chickenwire Grilles
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Interface: 21-Pin NEM
• Factory Sound: Not Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Locomotives at Train Supply

Expand your model railroad fleet with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2u BNSF #2773. Whether you're building a detailed BNSF locomotive roster or recreating realistic diesel-era freight operations, this Genesis model delivers the prototype accuracy and performance model railroaders expect.

Browse our complete selection of HO scale model trains at Train Supply for additional diesel locomotives, freight cars, passenger equipment, and model railroad accessories.