HO GP38-2 Phase 1a w/DCC & Sound DT&I; by ATHEARN

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 the past 40 years, the GP38-2 has worked main line freights, locals, switching jobs, yard service, helpers, snow fighting trains, and hump power. Many remain service today.

FEATURES:

• Front and rear MU hose catch boxes
• Trainline hoses
• Late coupler cut levers
• Standard stepwells without pilot face corner notches
• 81" low nose with CNW style gong bell
• Sunshades with track
• Nathan M3 air horn
• Non dynamic brake
• Spark arrestors
• 2,600 gallon fuel tank
• Blomberg-b trucks
• Era: Early 1970s - early 1980s

SOUND FEATURES:

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami decoder
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
• Some functions are limited in DC
• 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 unity only horn, bell, and lights
• Lighting effects such as alternating ditch lights, Gyralight where prototypically accurate
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes