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.

NS was created by the merger of Norfolk & Western and Southern in 1982. In 1999, NS acquired about 58 percent of Conrail which was divided between NS and CSX. As part of the merger, NS inherited a fleet of GP38-2s from Southern. The units had the original GP38-2 body style, plus standard Southern features including high nose, horns on both ends and bell mounted on the end of the long hood that was the front. The units were built with oil-bath air filters, which were changed to paper air filters later in their careers. This resulted in the dynamic brake bulge being cut back and the angle paper air filter box installed at the front of the bulge. NS added operating front and rear ditch lights, plus changed the horns.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Accurate painting and priniting
• Available in DCC Ready & DCC w/Sound versions
• Phase I
  
• MU catch box front and rear
  
• Early coupler cut bars
  
• Switching steps
  
• Operating ditch lights front and rear
  
• Front and rear drop steps
  
• 81” high nose with ratchet brake
  
• Two Nathan P-3 horns
  
• Riveted side cab
  
• Cab interior with single control stand facing long hood forward
  
• Sun visor
  
• Firecracker antenna
  
• Early battery box doors
  
• Non-operating walkway lights on the long hood
  
• Early ECAFB
  
• Standard Dash-2 ribbed blower housing type
  
• Intermediate inertial air intake grilles
  
• Raised exhaust stacks
  
• Modified dynamic brake housing
  
• Curved radiator grab irons
  
• Widely-spaced radiator fans
  
• Chicken-wire radiator grilles
  
• Blomberg-M trucks
  
• Speed recorder
  
• Salem air filters
  
• 2600-gallon fuel tank
  
• Bell mounted on the end of the long hood