In the mid 1960's as road switcher locomotives became more and more poweful, it was apparent that there was a demand for medium powered units among many of North America's railroads. In 1966, General Motors - Electro Motive Division issued a locmotive designed specifically for this market.
The 2000hp GP38 was powered by the EMD's new 645cid prime mover, and to keep maintenance costs minimal, it was supplied without a turbo charger, the idea being that railroads which ordered this model were not looking for a high powered unit. A turbo charged version, the GP39 was also made available, but it was really only suited to railroads that operated at high altitudes, where lack of a turbo charger would be a serious disadvantage; and there
were few units ordered.
In 1972, a revised version was made available which while externally very similar to it's predecessor, was a very different locomotive. The GP38-2's control system was electronic, and AC power produced by an alternator was rectified to supply the DC traction motors.
The GP38-2 proved to be a reliable and cost effective workhorse that found it's way onto
the rails of most US railroads, and by 1980, sales had reached over 200O units. This popular locomotive is a great example of American railroading in the diesel era.
Model: GP38-2
Horsepower: 2000
Engine: 645E3
Max.Speed from gear ratio:
Тип: traincar