Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2735 EMD GP39-2 Phase IIB Diesel Locomotive - DCC Ready – ATHG-1968

Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2735 EMD GP39-2 Phase IIB Diesel Locomotive

Recreate contemporary Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight operations with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2735 EMD GP39-2 Phase IIB diesel locomotive. This DCC Ready model represents a former Burlington Northern four-axle road switcher updated for BNSF service, complete with distinctive Phase II body details, cab-mounted headlight, and skate-style cab antennas.

Designed for realistic locomotive performance, this Genesis GP39-2 features a precision five-pole motor, all-wheel electrical pickup, and carefully reproduced railroad-specific components. It makes an excellent addition to any collection of HO scale locomotives representing modern North American freight railroading.

From Burlington Northern to BNSF Railway

Burlington Northern acquired 40 late-production EMD GP39-2 locomotives in 1981. These turbocharged, four-axle road switchers offered efficient performance for freight assignments requiring versatile mid-horsepower diesel power.

After the 1995 merger of Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, the GP39-2 fleet continued operating under BNSF Railway. Many former BN locomotives retained their original paint for years before receiving newer BNSF corporate colors.

By the late 2010s, BNSF began repainting additional GP39-2 locomotives, with some units also receiving modifications for specialized yard and remote-control service.

Athearn Genesis BNSF #2735 represents this later period of operation, making it especially appropriate for model railroad layouts depicting contemporary BNSF switching and local freight assignments.

BNSF #2735 Road-Specific Details

• Authentic BNSF Railway paint and lettering
• Phase IIB / Phase II GP39-2 locomotive body
• Corrugated radiator grilles with Q-style cooling fans
• Cab-mounted locomotive headlight
• Skate-style antennas mounted on the cab
• Large exhaust stack
• Front and rear ditch lights
• Removed class lights
• Nose electronic brake equipment
• Electronic bell detail
• Illuminated number boards
• Prototype-specific exterior detailing

Genesis Drivetrain and HO Scale Construction

The Athearn Genesis GP39-2 uses a five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain engineered for smooth, consistent locomotive operation.

All-wheel drive, electrical pickup, and a heavy die-cast frame provide dependable performance during switching movements, local freight assignments, and multiple-unit locomotive operation.

Additional features include factory-installed grab irons, lift rings, windshield wipers, etched metal fan grilles, fine-scale handrails, and detailed cab interior components.

The locomotive also includes realistic fuel tank equipment, trainline hoses, MU stands, coupler cut levers, detailed Blomberg trucks, and body-mounted McHenry knuckle couplers.

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

DCC Ready for DC and Digital Command Control Layouts

This Athearn Genesis HO Scale BNSF #2735 GP39-2 is supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM decoder interface and Athearn Quick Plug electronics.

The locomotive operates on conventional DC layouts without modification. Modelers wishing to use digital command control can install a compatible DCC decoder for enhanced locomotive control.

This version does not include a factory-installed sound decoder.

Ideal for Modern BNSF Model Railroad Operations

The GP39-2 is well suited for HO scale layouts featuring BNSF industrial switching, local freight movements, yard transfers, and other diesel locomotive assignments.

Its four-axle B-B wheel arrangement makes it a natural choice for modeling lighter freight assignments, while its modern BNSF appearance complements contemporary freight cars and other railroad equipment.

With a recommended minimum operating radius of 18 inches, the locomotive is suitable for many compact and medium-sized HO scale track plans.

Explore additional road numbers, railroad paint schemes, and locomotive configurations in our Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives collection.

Athearn Genesis GP39-2 BNSF #2735 Specifications

• Brand: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1968
• Scale: HO (1:87)
• Locomotive Model: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: BNSF Railway
• Road Number: 2735
• Original Railroad: Burlington Northern
• Body: Phase IIB / Phase II
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Connection: 21-Pin NEM
• Sound: Not Factory Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches
• Era: 2010–Present

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

Bring modern BNSF freight operations to your model railroad with the Athearn Genesis EMD GP39-2 BNSF #2735. Explore our complete selection of HO scale model trains, diesel locomotives, freight cars, and model railroad accessories at Train Supply.