By Maxwell Brisben

Athearn has brought us some stunning new models for October 2019, including EMD GP9s, SDP45s, and a surprise limited run of Lehigh Valley GP38-2s!

First introduced in 1967, the EMD SDP45 was powered by the massive 20-645E3 prime mover. Overall the locomotive is similar in appearance to the SD45, featuring the same flared radiator section. EMD stretched the frame of the SD45 to accommodate a larger fuel tank and a steam generator at the rear of the locomotive.

The Southern Pacific, Great Northern, and Erie Lackawanna were the only roads to purchase this locomotive, with the majority going to the EL who ordered 34 units. However, they were more inventive with their use than SP and GN. Instead of passenger service, they ordered their SDP45s without steam generators. In their place was a block of concrete ballast. This was done in order to take advantage of the larger fuel tank space and improve tractive effort.

Athearn's rendition of this heavy duty freight workhorse is very well done. The paint and lettering is razor sharp and many prototype specific details have been taken into account. The specific model seen in the photos, EL #3639, is one of the last surviving SDP45s. Currently owned by the Youngstown Steel Heritage Group, a percentage of the proceeds from every sale of the EL #3639 model goes towards the preservation and eventual full restoration of this locomotive to operating condition.

To order your own model of EL #3639 and to view the rest of the available SDP45 models, please CLICK HERE!

Up next is the latest run of the Genesis EMD GP9. Available in several more beautifully recreated paint schemes, Athearn's Genesis GP9 model continues to be a classic success.

Among the paint schemes included for this release, and just in time for Halloween, are Southern Pacific's spooky black widow scheme, with its striking silver and contrasting orange and red.

Just look at that light package! These locomotives were intended for general freight service both on the mainline and branches.

Once more, Union Pacific has made an appearance in this run. Check out the two different slogans on the engineer and conductor sides of the cab!

For the folks up north, Athearn for the first time has made Canadian National GP9s in their as-delivered olive green and yellow paint scheme. These units are unique since they have their original barrel style headlights. They were later rebuilt with twin sealed beam headlights.

Athearn has also gone the extra mile and modeled the correct Canadian style handrails. Like all early CN diesels, these are also setup to run long hood forward.

To view & order your very own Genesis GP9, CLICK HERE!

Okay, time for the real eye candy: The Lehigh Valley GP38-2 limited release. These sold out so fast that we could only get four -- and all were spoken for. If you're reading this right now and you managed to get one, consider yourself very lucky! These models are incredible.

Painted in brilliant Cornell Red with striking yellow-gold lettering, these locomotives were an instant hit when they were delivered to the Valley in 1972. 12 in total were assigned numbers 314 - 325.

Their time on the Lehigh Valley was fleeting. Four years after their delivery, the railroad was taken over by Conrail. Due to their relative newness, all 12 were transferred to the Delaware & Hudson and ran around in a smattering of paint schemes throughout their lives. Some are still in regular service today with Canadian Pacific. Scroll down for more detail photos and enjoy!

Cheers!