Rapido Trains Inc HO 38036 DCC Ready EMD GP38 Low Short Hood Burlington Northern Santa Fe 'H1 Scheme' BNSF #2172

The prototypes for the Rapido Trains HO Scale EMD GP38 diesels are modeled after the extremely popular 2,000-horsepower locomotives introduced in 1966. This was a non-turbocharged locomotive, similar in appearance to the earlier GP35. The GP38 had two radiator fans and paired exhaust stacks. The GP38 was longer than the GP35 and featured a new style radiator grille and a straighter sill and redesigned fuel tank. As with other locomotives, GP38s could be ordered with, or without, dynamic brakes, as well as a variety of other options (a few had dual control stands, steam generators for passenger service, some railroads specified their own lighting options and short hood options). The GP38 was constructed with 16-645 prime mover and a D32 direct current (DC) generator, similar to all the other locomotives produced previously by EMD. The push to higher horsepower, however, necessitated larger DC generators and in 1971 EMD introduced a new option for the GP38 - an AR10 alternating current (AC) alternator in place of the generator. This was a solution to the space problems encountered by the large generator, because alternators were smaller, yet offered the same electrical capacity. And thus was born the GP38AC, which are externally identical to the GP38. The GP38 was a popular engine, filling a niche for railroads requiring a locomotive for lighter duty and for use on trackage that was often not for high-speed mainline trains. As such it was purchased for a number of shortlines and a small number of industrial users. As a number of Class I railroads operate a lot of branch lines, the GP38 was also popular with these larger railroads as well.
 
The HO Scale EMD GP38 is loaded with roadname-specific details and features appropriate truck sideframes, headlight placement, dynamic brake placement, operating headlights, class lights and auxiliary lights, dual flywheels and magnetic knuckle couplers.