PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

By the early 1970s, many first generation diesels were reaching the end of their service lives. The most common replacement locomotive became the GP38-2. EMD began production of the 16-cylinder, non-turbocharged, 2000 horsepower engine in 1972. Unlike the GP38’s engine, which drove a generator to supply power to the traction motors, the GP38-2s prime mover drove an alternator which produced AC electrical current that was rectified to DC to power the four traction motors. Another major change for the GP38-2 was the introduction of the “dash 2” modular electrical cabinet. For more than 40 years, the GP38- 2 has worked main line freights, locals, switching jobs, yard service, helpers, snow fighting trains, and hump power. Many remain in service today.

GP38-2 SERIES LOCOMOTIVE NEW FEATURES:

• Operating Class Lights (Where equipped based on prototype)
• Operating Number boards (Where equipped based on prototype)

GENESIS DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Coupler cut levers
• Trainline hose
• Full cab interior
• Windshield wipers
• Wire grab irons
• MU hoses
• See-through cab windows
• Walkway tread
• Lift rings
•  Sander lines
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with 21-pin NEM connector
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain for trouble free operation
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth and quiet operation
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
• LED Lighting for trouble free operation
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
• Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes
• Packaging securely holds the model for safe storage
• Minimum radius: 18”

SOUND-EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound
• Dual cube speakers for optimal sound quality
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
• Precision slow speed control
• Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box

PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE

• Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipment
• Faded base colors matched to the prototype
• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

Union Pacific

Union Pacific’s GP38N locomotives are modernized versions of the EMD GP38-2, rebuilt with computerized control systems, microprocessor-based electronics, and other reliability upgrades. Rather than being newly constructed, these locomotives originated primarily from GP38-2s inherited through predecessor railroads that became part of the Union Pacific system. Many were acquired through the railroad’s major mergers with the Missouri Pacific (MP), Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW), and Southern Pacific (SP).

The “N” designation identifies locomotives that have been modernized with contemporary electronic control systems and other technological improvements while retaining their original 2,000-horsepower EMD 645 diesel engine and proven mechanical components. These upgrades enhance reliability, diagnostics, and operating efficiency, extending the service life of the locomotives.

Today, Union Pacific GP38N locomotives are assigned primarily to yard switching, transfer service, local freight operations, and other duties where dependable low-speed performance is more important than high-speed mainline operation. Their combination of proven GP38-2 design and modern technology makes them valuable workhorses across Union Pacific’s network.

UP FEATURES:

• 88” Nose with ratchet Brake, no class lights
• Corrugated grilles, Q fans, rear number boards
• Non-dynamic brake hatch, late (angled box)
• Large front anticlimber (no drop step)
• Dual flashing strobes, positioned per prototype
• 3600 gallon fuel tank

ROAD NUMBER SPECIFIC FEATURES:

• #675 Short ground plane for Sinclair antenna (NEW TOOLING!), Nathan 3-chime horn on triangular bracket
• #726 Nathan 3-chime horn on square bracket
• #796 Tall ground plane for Sinclair antenna (NEW TOOLING!), Nathan 3-chime horn (no bracket)

Looking for more Athearn EMD (Electro-Motive Division) GP-38 Diesel Locomotives? Click here!