Introduction

Rapido Trains 38070 HO EMD GP38 New England Central NEC 9543 – DC

The GP38 might be the most versatile locomotive ever made. It packed a punch with 2,000 hp, low or high short hoods and paved the way for future GP models to follow. 706 of these four-axle beasts were manufactured at EMDs La Grange Plant, at the heart of railroad world. During the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the GP38 was common power on road freights, locals and yard jobs. If you traveled to Chicago, you were bound to see a GP38 operating for any of the usual class one roads.

Of the 706 built, a good portion of the GP38s were rebuilt to either -2 or -3 standards. The -3 upgrades brought updated electrical systems and the addition of a computer microprocessor (Quantum, Woodward or EMDs EM2000 computer system). Many of the GP38 locomotives continue to roll off the miles for class ones, regionals or short line railroads. There are even a handful of GP38s operating at tourist and museum lines!

FEATURES:

• Road-specific details for each model
• Rapidos innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
• Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately applied parts
• Road-specific battery box doors
• Separate metal grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
• Operating headlights, rear lights, white class lights, ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
• Highly detailed cab interior
• Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
• Multiple styles of stepwells
• See-through, etched steps
• Suggested minimum radius: 18
• Separately applied wire grabs
• Appropriate cab or nose headlights
• Now featuring Cannon and Company licensed fans
• Multiple dynamic-brake hatches and air filters
• DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound
• MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power

Note: All renders and preliminary artwork are subject to revisions before production. Road number may vary from picture shown.