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 Milwaukee Road operated west from Chicago across the northern states to Tacoma, WA, and had extensive track in Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin. One Wisconsin line extended north into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, accessing the Marquette Iron Range. Milwaukee placed two orders for GP38-2s. The first order for six numbered 350 through 355 was built in June 1973 and had the “early” GP38-2 body style, as well as all weather windows on the engineer’s side, rotary beacon, front plow and a small rear plow. The second order for ten was built in September 1974 as numbers 356 through 365. The only change was the addition of dynamic brakes. The units were usually assigned to secondary freights and locals throughout the eastern part of the Milwaukee Road.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Accurate painting and priniting
• Available in DCC Ready & DCC w/Sound versions
• Phase I
  
• Early coupler cut levers
  
• Standard front low plow
  
• Rear “weedcutter” plow
  
• Standard steps
  
• 81” nose with ratchet brake
  
• Cab interior with single control stand
  
• All-weather cab window on engineer’s side
  
• No sunshades or mirrors/wind wings
  
• Operating beacon
  
• Leslie S3L horn
  
• Antenna type? G40330.02 / Black
  
• Cab vent
  
• Early Dash-2 battery box
  
• Early ECAFB
  
• Standard Dash-2 ribbed blower housing
  
• Intermediate inertial air intake grilles
  
• Curved radiator fan grab iron
  
• Closely-spaced radiator fans
  
• Single-panel, chicken-wire radiator grilles
  
• Blomberg-B trucks
  
• Speed recorder
  
• 1700-gallon fuel tank
  
• Salem air filter
  
• Frame-mounted bell