Athearn

09/04/2026

Want to help Athearn produce outstanding HO and N scale models? Athearn is growing and we could use some help by adding to our Product Development department. This position reports into our office in Champaign, IL location. Local candidates are preferred. However, we are considering hybrid/remote work arrangements. Any previous candidates who have applied, please reach out if you are still interested in working with Horizon Hobby!

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/HOR1005/JobBoard/1e0e1ed9-90e0-3f93-f7ee-8b0a223db196/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=f1063387-3b3e-4cfb-af49-a76a7acef0bd

08/21/2026

After Santa Fe merged with Burlington Northern, BNSF used their remaining GP7u’s in branchline and secondary service. However, many years of service began to take their toll on the appearance of the units. They often exhibited faded coats of Santa Fe blue & yellow, various types of BNSF patch lettering, and replacement parts.

Pre-order from one of four or all road numbers for the patched BNSF GP7u models through your Athearn dealer by Monday, August 31st.

https://www.athearn.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-athearn-us-Library/default/dw6416d276/announcements/july-2026/02_GENHO_GP7_071326.pdf

08/20/2026

Starting in the early 2000s, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway began repainting their former Santa Fe SD75Ms in the new Heritage II scheme. The locomotives had long, productive lives on the railroad in all types of mainline service, from unit coal trains to intermodal service out west, and have only recently begun to be retired. Some units have been refurbished and painted in the new “H4” scheme.

Pre-orders are open on the Athearn Genesis EMD SD70Ms. See your dealer by Monday, August 31st to pre-order yours.

https://www.athearn.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-athearn-us-Library/default/dw6b30f3e7/announcements/july-2026/01_GENHO_SD70_071326.pdf

08/19/2026

Special Athearn 80th Anniversary FMC 5077 box cars are now open for pre-orders. Pre-order now until Monday, August 31st through your Athearn dealer.

https://www.athearn.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-athearn-us-Library/default/dwf1c8ef86/announcements/july-2026/06_ATHHO_FMC_5077_Offset_DD_Boxcar_071326.pdf

08/14/2026

Starting in the early 2000s, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway began repainting their former Santa Fe SD75Ms in the new Heritage II scheme. The locomotives had long, productive lives on the railroad in all types of mainline service, from unit coal trains to intermodal service out west, and have only recently begun to be retired. Some units have been refurbished and painted in the new “H4” scheme.

Pre-order BNSF H2 and H4 locomotives through your Athearn dealer by Monday, August 31st.

https://www.athearn.com/search?q=GENHO_SD70&cp_source=new-arrivals&cp_medium=cta-button

08/13/2026

The BNSF Railway “Heritage 1” (H1) paint scheme, introduced in 1996 following the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe merger, was the company’s first unified livery. Inspired by the historic Great Northern Railway colors, it features “Omaha Orange” and “Pullman Green” separated by yellow pinstriping. The nose prominently displayed the original BNSF circular emblem, while “BNSF” appeared on the long hood. Trucks and fuel tanks were typically painted dark green. A few BNSF GP7u Locomotives received H1 repaints, and Athearn is pleased to offer these unique and eye-catching models.

Pre-order your BNSF GP7u models through your Athearn dealer by Monday, August 31st.

https://www.athearn.com/search?q=GENHO_GP7&cp_source=new-arrivals&cp_medium=cta-button

08/12/2026

Celebrate the 250th birthday of America with this special Athearn HO boxed set! Athearn is offering this special HO FMC 5077 set with special artwork that gives a nod to similar models that were offered during the nations 200th birthday. Don't miss out on these fun cars, pre-orders close on August 31st.

https://www.athearn.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-athearn-us-Library/default/dwf1c8ef86/announcements/july-2026/06_ATHHO_FMC_5077_Offset_DD_Boxcar_071326.pdf

08/11/2026

If you're in the Concord NH area this coming Sunday, August 16th, stop by the Concord Model Railroad Club's 40th anniversary train show at the Everette Arena on Loudon Road, Concord NH from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

It's almost show time! We are lucky to have a rep from Athearn. Come see their layout and chat about new models.

08/07/2026

The Chicago and North Western’s Oelwein shops were known for turning out a variety of rebuilt locomotives. A total of 74 GP7 locomotives were rebuilt between 1971 and 1981. The rebuild included chopped front hoods to improve visibility. The locomotives also received overhauled prime movers and electrical equipment. These modifications significantly extended the service life of the locomotives.

Pre-order your CNW GP7R though your Athearn dealer by Monday, August 31st.

https://www.athearn.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-athearn-us-Library/default/dw6416d276/announcements/july-2026/02_GENHO_GP7_071326.pdf