Athearn Releases HO "Ready to Roll" Soo Line GP38-2s in Candy Apple Red Paint Scheme.

January 4, 2006. Photo and text by Todd Brown.

Hobby stores today have started to receive initial shipments of Athearn's GP38-2 locomotives in the Soo colors below. Although these models are not from the Genesis line, they are stil quite detailed. Despite the cab lettering being a little large compared to the prototype, the models are just beautiful and quite a bargain for only $69.98 MSRP.

Other than the Soo SD60s, the Soo GP38-2s (#4506 and #4515) are the locomotives you are most likely to see still running the rails. They are used extensively in Portage, Wiscosnin for switching and locals. That's where I've grown quite fond of their husky yet compact build. For photos of I took of these engines at Portage, visit this link.

Athearn will also be releasing the same locomotives in two Canadian Pacific paint schemes. For more information, visit the Athearn website.

I purchased my pair from Madison Hobby Stop, owned and operated in part by SLTHS members George Stahl and his son, Greg.

• Fully assembled and ready to operate
• Factory installed metal grabirons
• Factory installed Celcon handrails
• Next-generation drive mechanism with hex drive lines
• Machined RP25 profile metal wheels
• Magnetically operated knuckle couplers