EMD GP30 #2815 Burlington Northern Santa Fe DCC & Sound HO

EMD GP30 Low Nose - Sound and DCC - Paragon4(TM) BNSF Railway #2820 (GP39-2R, orange, black, Wedge Logo)

This Broadway Limited HO Scale EMD GP30 locomotive is based on the four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by EMD in the early1960s. A total of 948 units were built for railroads in the United States and Canada. The GP30s were designed to compete with GE's U25B. The U25B offered 2500 horsepower, while the existing EMD GP20 was only rated at 2,000 hp. The EMD's engineering department ended up using a 16 cylinder 567D3 engine that produced 2250 hp for the GP30. They also made several improvements to the GP20 design meant to match the U25B - a sealed airtight long hood, a single central air intake, and easier access for maintenance.

These changes required more space behind the cab, and this was achieved vertically by raising the height of the locomotive, providing space for the central air system, the turbocharger, and electrical cabinet. This increased height meant a new body was required. EMD wanted the new body to be modern and updated, so the GM Automotive Styling Center created the GP30's unique "hump" and cab roof profile. In the 2020s several GP30s have been preserved in museums and some are still operating for Class I and shortline railroads.
This detailed model features roadname-specific detailing, fine decoration, a flywheel-equipped drive and a die cast chassis for great performance. It's equipped with the Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC control system featuring Rolling Thunder and equipped with an integral GoPack capacitor pack. This model has wheels profiled to operate on Code 70 and larger rail and curves of 18" radius, but larger curves are recommended.

HO Scale

Stealth Series - Model is DCC-Ready out-of-the-box. No Sound.

All models are available with our new Paragon4 DC/DCC Sound and Control system featuring Rolling Thunder and integral Go-Pack capacitors. Each model boasts road-specific details and lighting.

In addition to the Paragon4 Series models, each model is available in our Stealth Series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out-of-the-box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out-of-the-box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always illuminated with track power. Note that some lighting may be absent depending on selected aftermarket decoder.