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.

Features:

• Phase Ia: close radiator fan spacing and chickenwire grilles
• MU hoses
• Front and rear drop steps
• Deck mount MU stand with single receptacle
• Early battery box doors
• Cab mounted dual sealed beam headlight unless noted
• Early ECAFB
• Standard ribbed blower housing
• Standard raised exhaust unless noted
• Curved radiator fan grab iron
• Short walkway duct extension
• Frame mounted bell unless noted
• Salem air filter
• Minimum radius: 18"
• DCC Ready

DCC w/Sound Units Feature:

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 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
• 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" Features:

• Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipment; “Tattered and Torn” just like the real thing
• Faded base colors matched to the prototype
• Patches applied and shaped per road number matching each corresponding side to the prototype
• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

Unit Specific Details:

• Illuminated front & rear ditch lights
• Updated body with no class lights or numberboards
• Blanked cab headlight; headlight moved to nose per prototype
• 4-stack liberated exhaust
• Etched cab mirrors
• Nose vent
• Spare knuckles on rear pilot
• Built out cab doors
• Retrofitted with E-bell
• Electronic parking brake
• Former BN unit
• Phase I body with widely-spaced fans & chickenwire grills
• Early dynamic brakes
• RS3L Horn on long hood
• RV style air conditioners positioned per prototype
• No cab armrests
• Large & small Sinclair antennas on ground planes
• Separate modeler-installed retention tank included in poly bag*
• Front & Rear MU receptacles with MU cables
• Blomberg-M truck
• Installation of the retention tank on locomotives with the 3600 gallon fuel tank may interfere with truck swivel on tight radius curves; Athearn elected to leave installation up to the modeler
• Era: 2012+