GP38 - MagnumMacKivler/RLCPT2 GitHub Wiki

Maine Central GP38 #260 at South Portland, Maine, May 7, 1984. Chuck Zeiler Photo.

Introduced in 1966 as part of the 645 line, the GP38 was the successor to the GP28. Boasting solid state control gear instead of mechanical relays and a 2000 horsepower rating (up from 1800 on the GP28), the GP38 - much like the rest of the 645 line - improved both reliability and efficiency while simultaneously lowering component complexity. 706 GP38s were built, making it among one of the most mass-produced roadswitchers to date. Many have been upgraded to GP38-2s or even GP38-3s, and are still in service today.

The GP38 was augmented in early 1970 by the GP38AC, which replaced the D-32 main generator with the AR-10 alternator as many of the larger 645 locomotives already had, although the standard GP38 was still available until the introduction of the "Dash 2" line in 1972.

PT-Specific Information 

General Info	-
Prime Mover	EMD 16-645E
Horsepower	2000
Truck Type	EMD "Blomberg" B
Axles	4
Traction Motors	4
Minimum Weight	244,800 lbs
Maximum Weight	278,000 lbs
Model Base Speed	65 MPH
Top Speed	65, 71, 77, 83, 90, 96 MPH

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Electrical System	-
Generator Max Current	3000 Amps
Max Traction Motor (TM) Current	1500 Amps
Max Continuous TM Current	1050 Amps
Traction Motor Type	DC
Factor of Adhesion	25%
Transition Mode	Automatic with Selector
Transition Groups	2, 2, 1, 1
Transition Shunts	1, 0.75, 1, 0.75
Generator Transition	No
Traction Control	APR + Sand
Dynamic Braking (DB) Mode (if used)	Mechanical Blowers
DB Max Current	700 Amps
DB Max Continuous Current	700 Amps
Blended Braking	No

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Miscellaneous	-
Head-End Power (HEP)	No
HEP Power Consumption	N/A
HEP Standby/Run Mode	N/A
Load Ramp Speed	2 Amps/Tick
TM Overload Protection	No
Starter Mode	Manual Primer, Manual Start
Air Brake Schedule	26-L
Compressor CFM	254 (WBO @ 900 RPM)
Main Reservoir Volume	33.8 Cubic Feet

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