Description
The prototypes for the Rapido Trains HO Scale EMD GP38 diesels are modeledafter the extremely popular 2,000-horsepower locomotives introduced in1966. General Motors' Electro-Motive Division achieved success pretty earlyon, having developed and marketed a variety of 4-axle road switchersbeginning with the GP7. By the mid-Sixties, EMD unveiled the latest Geep -the 2000 horsepower GP38. This was a non-turbocharged locomotive, similarin appearance to the earlier GP35. The GP38 had two radiator fans andpaired exhaust stacks. The GP38 was longer than the GP35 and featured a newstyle radiator grille and a straighter sill and redesigned fuel tank. Aswith other locomotives, GP38s could be ordered with, or without, dynamicbrakes, as well as a variety of other options (a few had dual controlstands, steam generators for passenger service, some railroads specifiedtheir own lighting options and short hood options). 16-645 prime mover anda D32 direct current (DC) generator, similar to all the other locomotivesproduced previously by EMD. The push to higher horsepower, however,necessitated larger DC generators and in 1971 EMD introduced a new optionfor the GP38 - an AR10 alternating current (AC) alternator in place of thegenerator. This was a solution to the space problems encountered by thelarge generator, because alternators were smaller, yet offered the sameelectrical capacity. And thus was born the GP38AC, which are externallyidentical to the GP38. The GP38 was a popular engine, filling a niche forrailroads requiring a locomotive for lighter duty and for use on trackagethat was often not for high-speed mainline trains. As such it was purchasedfor a number of shortlines and a small number of industrial users. As anumber of Class I railroads operate a lot of branch lines, the GP38 wasalso popular with these larger railroads as well.
The HO Scale EMD GP38 is loaded with roadname-specific details and featuresappropriate truck sideframes, headlight placement, dynamic brake placement,a operating headlights, class lights and auxiliary lights. The standard DCmodel is DCC ready and features dual flywheels and magnetic knucklecouplers. EMD GP38s are part of the extensive line of Rapido Trains HO Scalelocomotives.
The HO Scale EMD GP38 is loaded with roadname-specific details and featuresappropriate truck sideframes, headlight placement, dynamic brake placement,a operating headlights, class lights and auxiliary lights. The standard DCmodel is DCC ready and features dual flywheels and magnetic knucklecouplers. EMD GP38s are part of the extensive line of Rapido Trains HO Scalelocomotives.
