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 1970 merger of the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Burlington and Spokane Portland & Seattle created Burlington Northern. In May 1972, EMD built ten GP38-2s for BN numbered 2078 through 2087. The units had the original GP38-2 body style fans, plus the standard BN rotary beacon. Other than removing the beacons and marker lights and adding ditch lights in the 1990s, the units remained much the same until after the BNSF merger in 1996.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Accurate painting and priniting
• Available in DCC Ready & DCC w/Sound versions
• Phase I
  
• Standard EMD low snowplow
  
• Early coupler cut levers
  
• Standard steps
  
• Front and rear drop steps
  
• 81” nose with ratchet brake
  
• Cab headlight
  
• Operating rotary beacon
  
• Leslie S3L horn
  
• Firecracker antenna
  
• Cab interior with single control stand
  
• Welded cab side
  
• Sunshades
  
• No mirrors/wind wings
  
• BN early battery box doors
  
• Early ECAFB
  
• Standard Dash-2 ribbed blower housing
  
• Early inertial air intake grilles
  
• Dynamic brake
  
• Raised exhaust stacks
  
• Curved radiator grab irons
  
• Widely-spaced radiator fans
  
• Chicken-wire radiator grilles
  
• Blomberg- M trucks
  
• Speed recorder
  
• 3600-gallon fuel tank
  
• Salem air filter type
  
• Frame-mounted bell