Introduced in 1974 as an update to the GP39, this second generation EMD diesel was more successful than the first. It offered better fuel economy and better performance at higher altitudes than the GP38-2's. Even though it had  a 12 cylinder prime mover, it's turbocharging gave it 2300 horsepower compared to 2000 horsepower of the 16 cylinder prime mover in the GP38-2. Still, with only 239 made, it was only a moderate success in comparison to it's stablemate, the GP38-2 with production ending in 1984.

Features:

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
  
• DCC-ready features Quick Plug plug-and-play technology with
  both 8- and 9-pin connector
  
• Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field
  measurements, photographs, and more
  
• Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes
  
• Coupler cut levers
  
• MU hoses
  
• Trainline hose
  
• See through cab windows
  
• Full cab interior
  
• Walkway tread
  
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
  
• Windshield wipers
  
• Lift rings
  
• Wire grab irons
  
• Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
  
• Sander lines
  
• McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
  
• Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision
  machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
  
• All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
  
• All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
  
• Wheels with RP25 contours operate on Code 55, 70, 75, 80, 83,
  and 100 rail
  
• Incandescent bulbs for realistic appearance
  
• Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power

DCC w/Sound Features:

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound
  
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
  
• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
  
• Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC
  
• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
  
• Excellent slow speed control
  
• Operating lighting functions with F5 and/or F6 (Flashing ditch
  lights, beacon, etc)
  
• 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

Road Number Specific Features:

• Phase IIb GP39-2
  
• Early exhaust silencer
  
• Welded cab side panels with armrests
  
• Early hinged BN battery box doors w/single louver
  
• Leslie S-3 horn offset on cab right
  
• Large and small firecracker antennas on cab
  
• Flashing (in DCC) Western Cullen beacon on cab
  
• Sunshade on left side only
  
• 3-Pane all weather cab window on right side
  
• 88” nose with ratchet brake
  
• Front anticlimber, rear drop step
  
• 3600 gallon fuel tank
  
• Spare knuckles on rear pilot
  
• BN hose catch pockets on rear pilot
  
• Rectangle builder’s plates
  
• Blomberg-M trucks with leaf springs
• Era: 1981+