HO GP38-2 Locomotive, EMD Lease #825 Overview
After their initial lease expired, many CR GP38-2's were returned to EMD which in turn leased them back to other railroads. While quite a few were simply patched, a batch got the full âEMD Leaseâ paint treatment. During the 1990's, these could be found on just about any railroad. #788 was painted into a very unique Operation Livesaver scheme.
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 âdash 2â modular electrical cabinet. For more than 40 years, the GP38-2 has worked main line freights, locals, switching jobs, yard service, helpers, snow fighting trains, and hump power. Many remain in service today.