Choosing between a powered HO locomotive and a commemorative boxcar comes down to the role your layout or collection needs next. Both pieces are HO, 1:87-scale rolling stock, but the Athearn brings Kansas City Southern motive power while the Strasburg car adds a themed freight-car presence at a lower listed price.
Quick verdict
Choose the HO Athearn Kansas City Southern SD40-2 Powered Diesel Locomotive KCS #678 if your priority is a road-specific locomotive with mechanical power, six-axle drive trucks, and detailed KCS decoration. Choose the HO Strasburg Model Railroad Club 35th Anniversary Boxcar NIB if you want a commemorative freight car in new condition and do not need another locomotive.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Listed price | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Athearn KCS SD40-2 locomotive | USD 61.00 | Powered diesel locomotive; used condition; HO, 1:87 scale |
| Strasburg 35th Anniversary boxcar | USD 49.99 | Commemorative boxcar; new condition; brown; HO, 1:87 scale |
Where each product wins
Athearn wins for motive power and road identity
The locomotive has a clearly defined railroad role. Its Kansas City Southern road name and KCS #678 road number give it a specific identity, while the six-axle drive trucks, metal handrails, roof-fan detail, and white shell with red lettering add recognizable visual cues. It is the more suitable choice when the next addition needs to be a powered diesel rather than another car in the freight consist.
Strasburg wins for a themed freight car and lower price
The Strasburg car's "35th Anniversary" wording makes the subject matter more distinctive than a generic boxcar. Its brown color, plastic wheels and trucks, and HO scale keep the choice focused on freight-car collecting or layout scenery. At $49.99, it is $11.01 below the Athearn locomotive, so it is the lower-priced route in this pairing.
Product notes
HO Athearn Kansas City Southern SD40-2 Powered Diesel Locomotive KCS #678
The Athearn SD40-2 is a strong match for an HO roster that needs a powered unit with a precise railroad identity. Kansas City Southern decoration, the KCS #678 road number, red lettering on a white shell, metal handrails, and roof-fan detail give the locomotive several concrete points of visual interest. Standard horn-hook / knuckle couplers are included, and the original blue Athearn "Trains in Miniature" box adds period presentation. The limitation is condition: it is used and graded C-5 Good, with light shelf wear on the box. At USD 61.00, it also costs more than the Strasburg car, so it makes the most sense when locomotive function and KCS detail matter more than new condition.
HO Strasburg Model Railroad Club 35th Anniversary Boxcar NIB
The Strasburg boxcar suits a shopper looking for a specific commemorative subject instead of powered motive power. "Strasburg Model Railroad Club 35th Anniversary" gives the car a clear connection to the Strasburg Railroad theme, while the brown finish and included plastic wheels and trucks define its appearance. Its new condition and NIB presentation are appealing for a collection centered on unopened or commemorative pieces. One concrete limitation is the coupler setup: Kadee #5 couplers are recommended but not included. That matters if a particular coupler arrangement is important to the intended consist. The USD 49.99 price keeps this car below the Athearn choice, but it remains a freight car rather than a locomotive.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Athearn KCS SD40-2 for a powered locomotive, Kansas City Southern identity, and a detailed road-numbered diesel.
- Choose the Strasburg 35th Anniversary Boxcar for a commemorative freight car, brown styling, new condition, and the lower listed price.
- If the layout needs motive power, the Athearn title makes the decision straightforward. If the collection needs a Strasburg-themed boxcar, the Accurail car is the more focused fit.
