HO G2 SD70ACe with DCC & Snd,MRL/Essential Work #4404

HO G2 SD70ACe with DCC & Snd,MRL/Essential Work #4404 Overview

In late 2020, MRL unveiled #4404, painted in a striking paint scheme that commemorates essential workers across the world. Due to the timing of the real-life unveil, there wasn't enough time to finalize the artwork before this product announcement. We plan to follow up and show this artwork when it is finalized. In the meantime, we are looking for additional detail photos of this unit. Please drop us a line at athearn-productsuggestions@athearn.com if you wish to help.

MRL's First Responder locomotive is being released to honor essential workers. In keeping with the spirit of this release, the Athearn Team is pleased to announce that with each purchase of the Genesis MRL First Responder unit, we will be making a donation to Hobbies For Good; a charitable organization that supports charities and causes throughout the USA.

In order to meet stricter diesel locomotive emissions standards imposed by EPA Tier II regulations, EMD modified the SD70MAC to create the SD70ACe and SD70M-2. Each model is powered by a 16-cylinder, 4300-horsepower diesel engine. On the SD70M-2, the prime mover drives an alternator and produces AC current that is rectified to DC current, which powers the traction motors. On the SD70ACe, the DC current is then “chopped” back into AC to power the traction motors.

Much of the external design is based on the SD90 series locomotives, specifically the SD90MAC-H PHII. Similar features include the nose shape, full height nose door and rectangular windshields, the large flared radiators with two fans, and the positioning of the dynamic brake equipment at the rear of the long hood. In addition, the inverters were moved from inside the long hood to a box on the walkway behind the fireman's side of the cab.