HO DDA40X Locomotive, UP #6900 with ICC Caboose #25717

HO DDA40X Locomotive, UP #6900 with ICC Caboose #25717 Overview

The first DDA40X almost had a significantly different story. After success with earlier EMD double engine platforms, the call went out for the next generation of diesels. The DDA40X was the answer and the ‘X' in DDA40X refers to the new, experimental, electrical system which became the basis of EMD's most successful series of ‘-2' locomotives. This improvement allowed for a long and notable career for the Centennials. As the United States approached its 200th Birthday, many railroads began painting a selection of their fleet in patriotic inspired liveries. As the story is told, Union Pacific had Chester Mack design a celebratory paint scheme for the first DDA40X to be produced. This proposed livery was brought to the decision makers and was decided against by a single vote. With permission by Union Pacific, Athearn has re-created this most legendary of Legendary Liveries.

The Bicentennial DDA40X collector's set includes Athearn's own interpretation of a Chester Mack inspired Bicentennial painted CA-10 caboose. Both DCC Sound equipped and DCC Ready DDA40X locomotives will come with the caboose equipped with a NCE DCC light decoder which operates on DC and DCC layouts.

What are Legendary Liveries? An Athearn exclusive, they are the ultimate answer to “What if?” Featuring some of the most popular railroad paint schemes of all time, these models are perfect for collecting, proto-freelancing, or just plain fun! Whether company proposed paint schemes, canceled locomotive orders, or alternate takes on history, Legendary Liveries are fun and unique additions to any roster. Enjoy these items, and answer the ultimate railroad question of: “What if?”

Built by EMD exclusively for Union Pacific between 1969 & 1971, the DDA40X Centennial locomotives were the modern equivalent of the railroad's famed Big Boy steam locomotives. These massive 98-foot double-engine diesels were UP's mainstay hotshot power for a decade until they were sidelined by the recession of the early 1980's. They had one last hurrah in 1984-85 when 25 of them were returned to service for about a year to help relieve a power shortage.