Locomotives of The Great Lakes Central Railroad

GLC 1 (25 Tonner)

GLC 385 (GP35)

GLC 389 (GP35)

GLC 390 (GP35)

GLC 391 (GP35)

GLC 392 (GP35)

GLC 393 (GP35)

GLC 394 (GP35)

GLC 395 (GP38-2)

GLC 396 (GP38-2)

GLC 397 (GP38-2)

GLC 398 (GP38-2)

GLC 399 (GP38-2)

GLC 1226 (25 Tonner)

GLC 2126 (25 Tonner)

GLC 2237 (Ford F250)

GLC 2648 (GP35 parts Locomotive)

EMD GP38-2 Locomotive

EMD GP38-2

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The EMD GP38-2 is a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive of the road switcher type built by General Motors, Electro-Motive Division. Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the GP38-2 was an upgraded version of the earlier GP38. Power is provided by an EMD 645E 16-cylinder engine, which generates 2000 horsepower (1.5 MW).^[1] Most built still remain in service as of 2013 due to ease of maintenance and exceptional reliability.

EMD GP38-2
Type and origin
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	U.S. - GM, Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Canada - General Motors Diesel(GMD)
Model	GP38-2
Build date	January 1972 – July 1986
Total produced	2,213
Specifications
AAR wheel arr.	B-B
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Length	59 ft 2 in (18.03 m)
Prime mover	EMD 16-645E
Engine type	Two-stroke diesel
Aspiration	Roots-type blower
Alternator	AC alternator,
Traction motors	DC traction motors
Cylinders	V16
Transmission	diesel electric
Performance figures
Power output	2,000 hp (1.49 MW)
Tractive effort	61,000 lbf (271.34 kN)
Locomotive brake	Straight air, Dynamic
Career
Locale	North America, Saudi Arabia

Spotting features[edit]

The GP38-2 differs externally from the earlier GP38 only in minor details. Its most distinctive identifying feature is the cooling water level sight glass on the right side of the long hood. The battery box covers of the Dash 2s are bolted down instead of hinged. It can be distinguished from the contemporary GP39-2 and GP40-2 in that its Roots blown engine had two exhaust stacks, one on each side of the dynamic brake fan, if equipped, while the turbocharged GP39-2 and GP40-2 has a single stack. The GP39-2 has two radiator fans on the rear of the long hood like the GP38-2, while the GP40-2 has three. It was also available with either a high-short-hood, common on Norfolk Southern units, or a low-short-hood, which is found on most other railroads.

GP38-2W[edit]

There are snow-shields above the inertial-filter central air intakes behind the cab; the electrical boxes and equipment blower behind the cab also differ in detail from a standard GP38-2. They are otherwise identical.^[2]The GP38-2W is a Canadian variant of the GP38-2 and a forerunner of today's wide-nose units. It is easily distinguished by its wide-nose Canadian comfort cab. 51 of these locomotives were produced for Canadian National Railways during 1973–1974.

Original buyers[edit]

1,799 examples of this locomotive model were built for American railroads and industrial concerns, 257 for Canadian railroads and industrials, 156 for Mexican railroads and industrials, and 1 export unit for the Saudi Government Railways. A total of 31 GP38-2s were built with high-short-hoods containing steam generators for passenger service on Mexican railways. In addition, all 257 of Southern Railway's GP38-2s had Southern's "standard" high-short-hoods.^[3]

Checking on my Canadian National Locomotive Order

I have had an order in for 2 Canadian National EMD GP38-2's from Walthers their web site shows that they are in stock. but as of yet they have not been delivered to Mountain Town Hobbies in Mt. Pleasant Michigan.

The only things I am waiting for on the Canadian National side of the expanded N scale layout is the locomotives. They were scheduled to arrive January 28th. I wonder if Walthers lost my order.

Walthers Is Producing N Scale Canadian National GP38-2s

Due in this December Walthers is Producing Two N scale GP38-2's. They would be just what I need for the N scale Canadian National layout I am putting together.

Canadian National

Walthers Part # 929-50303 and # 929-50304
N scale, not currently in stock at Walthers, Expected: 28-Dec-2014 (Limited Run)
* Based on Units in Service 1977 to the Present 
* DCC-Ready Mechanism with Insulated Motor 
* Clip-Fit PC Board 
* Blomberg M Trucks 
* Heavy Die Cast Split Frame for Pulling Power 
* Five Pole Motor with Flywheel 
* Directional LED Headlights 
* All-Wheel Drive and Electrical Pick Up 
* RP-25 Metal Wheels 
* Micro-Trains(R) Knuckle Couplers 

In the 1960s EMD identified a need for a medium-horsepower roadswitcher with no turbocharger for improved reliability. With the rack settings on its 16-cylinder 645 prime mover set at a very conservative 2,000 horsepower, tried-and-true traction motors and other proven components the GP38 sold well, but the addition of easy-to-maintain modular electronics made its successor, the GP38-2, the runaway favorite. "Dash 2s" could be found on mainline freights and locals, handling yard and heavy industrial switching, even moving commuter and long-distance passenger trains! In recent years, they fetch a pretty penny on the used locomotive market - if their original Class I owners ever get rid of them! Many have been rebuilt and still serve their original owners, others have gone on to shortlines and regional roads. 

I figure I would need both of them to pull the amount of rolling stock I am planning to include in this layout. I have set aside a few pieces at Mountain Town Hobbies in Mount Pleasant Michigan that I will be picking up as soon as I collect enough empty pop cans to be able to pay for them.