In 1984, EMD (General Motors Electro-Motive Division) unveiled the first four SD60 demonstrator locomotives. The SD60 was equipped with a 3,800 horsepower, 16-cylinder, turbocharged 710G3A prime mover. In 1989, EMD began offering the SD60 with the wide nose cab with the infamous “Tri-Clops” 3-piece windshield, thus creating the SD60M. The term “Tri-Clops” is a popular railfan nickname that refers to the original 3-window “safety” cab design. Union Pacific was the first road to order these new SD60M locomotives followed by Burlington Northern and SOO Line. BN’s SD60M locomotives went on to the merged BNSF while the SOO Line units went to Canadian Pacific. Some of the BNSF units found more mileage with Norfolk Southern and in lease service for CEFX.

The SD60M became an important locomotive to the Class 1 Railroads of the late 1980s and 1990s and it continues to hold an integral part in freight service with smaller regional railroads. The latest run of SD60M locomotives features both the class 1 railroads who ordered them in their factory fresh schemes all the way to veteran units. There is also a few Class 2 and smaller regional lines being offered this time such as the Buffalo and Pittsburgh, part of the Genesee & Wyoming as well as the Hudson Bay Railway.

Just like the previous run, the Athearn Genesis SD60M “Tri-Clops” model train locomotive is available in standard DC which are DCC-ready and feature a Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector, or if you prefer, the Soundtrax Tsunami2 sound equipped version. The Tsunami2 version comes equipped from the factory with sound and additional lighting features such as headlights, ditchlights (per prototype), lit number boards, ground lights, and class lights if equipped per the prototype. The SD60M is also loaded with era specific, road specific, and road number specific details such as horn type, bell placement, and antenna equipment. Add the fully detailed cab interior and you have a stunning six axle workhorse that will look great pulling coal cars on any model railroad layout. Don’t delay, the window for pre-ordering the Athearn Genesis SD60M “Tri-Clops” ends Friday, March 31st and you won't want to be empty handed when they arrive next summer.