Walthers Proto
PROTO N Diesel EMD GP38-2 w/88" Low Nose - Powered
Soo Line #4400 (red, white)
Walthers Part # 920-75014
N scale, $99.98, sold out at Walthers
In the 60s EMD identified the need for a medium-horsepower roadswitcher
with no turbocharger for improved reliability. With the rack settings on
its 16-cylinder 645 prime mover set at a very conservative 2,000
horsepower, tried-and-true traction motors and other components, the GP38
was designed for reliability in all kinds of service. The locomotive sold
well, but the addition of easy-to-maintain modular electronics made its
successor the GP38-2 the runaway favorite with 2,188 locos sold. The
externally identical GP38AC with an AC generator accounted for another 240
sales. GP38-2 production began in 1972 and lasted through 1987.
Late-production GP38-2s constructed beginning in 1977 came equipped with an
88" long low nose; this model is based on these units. Fuel tank size was
specified by the customer and units came equipped with Blomberg M truck,
although many were built with reconditioned standard Blomberg trucks from
traded-in units. The GP38-2 could be found in all kinds of service from
hauling road and wayfreights to ushering commuter (on the Long Island
Railroad) and long-distance passenger trains (Mexican steam
generator-equipped models) across the railroad. Hundreds could also be
found in local, yard and heavy industrial switching service. In recent
years, they fetch a pretty penny on the used locomotive market - if their
original Class I owners ever get rid of them. The model was so successful
that even in 2006 some Class I roads were still purchasing
remanufactured/rebuilt units built to GP38-2 standards. Many have been
rebuilt and still serve for their original owners, others have gone on to
shortlines and regional roads.
PROTO N Series locos feature a heavy, spilt-frame mechanism,
five-pole motor with dual flywheels, directional LED headlights, applied
details, all-wheel drive and electrical pickup and AccuMate(R) knuckle
couplers. 2006 performance upgrades include a clip-fit printed circuit
board, and RP-25 contour wheels that allow operation on any brand of Code
55 track.
