ATH1073 BNSF GP38-2 Iron Horse Train Set
For more than 60 years, the name Athearn has become synonymous with top quality, authentic looking model trains and train sets. The locomotives, carriages and wagons feature highly accurate and extensive detail features that model railway enthusiasts have come to expect from this leading brand. Even the smallest details are recreated in miniature and it is this attention to detail that sets Athearn apart!
The GP38-2 BNSF set is the perfect product for anyone looking to get into the high scale world of classic American model railroading. This set comes with everything needed to get started including a 45 inch by 36inch oval layout of E-Z Track, the locomotive, wagons and a fully variable speed controller that allows for realistic operation at scale speeds and smooth braking.
The locomotive features extensive detail and comes fully assembled ready for use with pre- installed wire grab irons and Celcon handrails. Super smooth drive train with machined RP25 profile metal wheels and McHenry scale knuckle spring couplers are installed for easy hook up of rolling stock. Loco, carriages and wagons also feature superbly moulded bodies with flush windows and accurately painted company logos and nomenclature.
The track that comes with the set is the unique EZ track and it couldn’t
be easier to put together. With the molded track bed on which the track
is mounted, it makes what would normally be a tricky and fiddly job much
simpler as the bed helps to line up the fishplates. As well as easing
the building of the track, the raised rails on the track bed keeps the
locomotive away from picking up dirt and fluff that can be found on floors
and carpets which can often lead to poor running.
The nickel silver track ensures that the power flows efficiently to the
locomotive as well as providing a smooth surface for the locomotives wheels
to run on reducing the risk of accidental derailments!
The locos and rolling stock are modeled in HO gauge, however they can easily be used on existing OO gauge track but the scale of the trains are slightly bigger than their OO gauge counterparts.
Classic American style, superb detail and ease of use, what more could
you want from a railway set?
Features
- Packaging acts as storage when set is not in use
- GP38-2 locomotive with handrails installed
- Three freight cars with a matching caboose
- 36" x 45" oval of Bachmann E-Z Track with gray roadbed
- Box measures approximately: 13"W x 5"D x 18"H
- Includes power supply and easy to use speed control
- Set includes everything you need to get started
About the Railroad
The BNSF Railway (reporting mark BNSF), formerly known as the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, is an American freight railroad company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas; it is one of four remaining transcontinental railroads and one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. Only the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary competitor for Western U.S. freight, is larger in size. The BNSF Railway moves more intermodal freight traffic than any other rail system in the world.
It was formed December 31, 1996, as the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway was merged into the Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1999 BNSF and the Canadian National Railway announced their intention to merge and form a new corporation entitled the North American Railways to be headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The United States' Surface Transportation Board (STB) placed a 15-month moratorium on all rail mergers, which ended this merger. On January 24, 2005, the railroad's name was officially changed to BNSF Railway.
Today the BNSF railroad operates on over 32,000 miles of track in 28 states and employs 38,000 employees. 6,000 locomotives serve 40 sea ports and 32 intermodal facilities through out the USA and Canada. During a typical holiday season over 50 million packages are delivered on time!
About the Locomotive
The GP38-2 differs externally from the earlier GP38 only in minor details. There is a cooling water level sight glass on the right side of the hood, and the battery box covers are bolted down, instead of hinged. It can be distinguished from the contemporary GP39-2 and GP40-2 in that its Roots blown engine had two exhaust stacks, one each side of the dynamic brake fan if fitted, while the turbocharged GP39-2 and GP40-2 has a single stack. The GP39-2 has two radiator fans on the rear of the long hood like the GP38-2, however the GP40-2 has three. It was also available with either a high short hood, which is common on Norfolk Southern units, or a low short hood, which is common on most other railroads.
