Atlas Master Line, 40005635, N Scale, EMD GP38, High Hood, Norfolk Western, #4114, DCC & Sound

About the Prototype:

The EMD GP38: A Workhorse of North American Railroads

The EMD GP38 was a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) between January 1966 and December 1971. Designed for general freight service, it was powered by the EMD 16-645E prime mover, a 16-cylinder, two-stroke diesel engine producing 2,000 horsepower. A total of 706 units were produced during its run.

Operators and Legacy

The GP38 found homes across North America, serving a variety of railroads. Some of the notable operators included:

• Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (70 units)

• Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (61 units)

• Southern Railway (107 units)

• Penn Central Transportation Company (265 units, the largest single order)

• Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (60 units)

• Louisville & Nashville Railroad (20 units)
  Many of these locomotives were later transferred to CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and various short lines.

Identifying Features

The GP38 was non-turbocharged, making it distinct from its turbocharged counterpart, the GP40. Key identification features included:

• Two large exhaust stacks instead of a single turbo exhaust.

• Four-axle (B-B) wheel arrangement.

• Standard EMD hood unit design, similar to the GP40 but lacking the dynamic brake blister on some units.

• Roots-type supercharger, which gave it a different sound profile compared to turbocharged models.

Replacement and Evolution

In 1972, EMD introduced the GP38-2, an upgraded version featuring improved electronics and reliability enhancements. The GP38-2 became one of the most widely used locomotives, with production continuing into the 1980s. Over time, many GP38s were either rebuilt into GP38-2 standards or replaced by newer models like the GP39-2 and GP40-2, which offered higher horsepower and advanced technology.

Despite its age, the GP38 remains a staple on short lines and regional railroads, proving its durability and adaptability. Many units continue to operate today, either in their original form or as rebuilt variants, ensuring that this classic locomotive remains a vital part of railroading history.

About the Model

Features:

• Directional lighting
• Walkway safety tread
• Blackened metal wheels
• Scale Speed™ motor
• Factory-equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers
• Dynamic brakes (as appropriate by railroad)
• Golden-white LEDs

DCC Operation Features GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY)

• Supports all DCC-programming modes
• DCC includes RailCom and RailComPlus, with 14, 28 or 128 speed steps and with 2-digit and 4-digit addressing.
• Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28.
• A total of 6 DCC function outputs are available, and all can be function mapped (disable, brightness, light effects) individually
• Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices.

ESU LokSound Features (GOLD LOCOMOTIVES ONLY):

• Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more.
• There are up to 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals.
• Manual and Automatic Notching modes with the ability to change modes ”on the fly” are provided for true realism.

AccuMate® couplers are made under license from AccuRail, Inc.