Introduced in 1972 as an update to the GP38, this second generation EMD diesel went on to become the most successful diesel of this generation and numerous units remain in service today. While numbers dwindle with Class I roads, these dependable workhorses have gone on to second, third and even fourth owners in some cases. There are few applications and few types of cargo that have not been hauled by the venerable GP38-2. With units being rebuilt all the time, examples of this fine locomotive will remain in service for years to come.

The Athearn Genesis model of this prototype is completely new from the ground up and features modular tooling to allow an unprecedented amount of variation and detail on individual units. Locomotives will feature road specific details, and in some cases, come with additional detailing parts for different eras of operation.

The Rock Island was caught in limbo from 1964 until 1974, as the ICC delayed its ruling on the division of the road between SP and UP. When the ICC ruled in favor of the mergers, Rock Island was bankrupt. The reorganization included a new image with a fresh blue and white paint scheme and new name, “The Rock.”

The only locomotives delivered in the Rock paint scheme were three orders for 68 GP38-2s. The first order was for 15 built during the summer of 1976 as numbers 4300 through 4314. The second order followed in the fall with 41 units numbered 4315 through 4355. Both orders had the “early” GP38-2 body styles.

The two orders differed slightly as the first order came with plows on the front and rear, while the second order did not have plows. Most of the Rock GP38-2s were named to honor the states and cities the railroad served as well as the railroad’s supporters.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Accurate painting and priniting
• Available in DCC Ready & DCC w/Sound versions
• Late coupler cut bars
  
• 81” nose with ratchet brake
  
• Standard steps
  
• Front and rear drop steps
  
• Nathan 5-chime horn
  
• Riveted side
  
• Cab interior with single control stand
  
• Sunshades
  
• Mirrors/wind wings fore and aft of cab side windows
  
• Firecracker antenna
  
• Rectangular vent on engineer’s side of the cab
  
• Early Dash-2 battery box
  
• Early ECAFB
  
• Standard Dash-2 ribbed blower housing
  
• Intermediate inertial air intake grilles
  
• Non-dynamic brake
  
• Early flush exhaust
  
• Curved radiator fan grab iron
  
• Blomberg-B truck
  
• Speed recorder
  
• Four extra jacking pads
  
• 2600-gallon fuel tank
  
• Salem air filter
  
• Frame-mounted bell
• Standard EMD front and rear low plows
• Closely-spaced radiator fans
• Single-panel, chicken-wire radiator grille
• Railway Age railroad industry magazine wrote many editorials in support of the Rock