EMD’s diesel-electric road switcher, the GP38-2, began production in 1972 as an upgraded model of the earlier GP38. Looking almost identical to its predecessor thanks to a standard body and cab design, the GP38-2 become widely successful on railroads across the country and can still be found in service today. Equipped with an Econami™ Soundtraxx® sound decoder and factory-set for GP38-2 realism, the diesel package offers a choice of 5 prime movers, 16 airhorns, multiple variations of 7 bell types, 2 air compressors, 3 couplers, plus a function-activated grade-crossing signal—all in 16-bit polyphonic sound. The Econami™ sound system includes adjustable auto-notching sensitivity for prototypical operation, adjustable master volume, individual sound effect volume levels, advanced consisting, and more.

Features include:
• New and existing tooling
• Roadname-specific dynamic brake and non-dynamic brake versions.
• DCC Sound Value® sound-equipped for sound, speed, direction, & lighting control.
• Dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder.
• Soundtraxx® Econami™16-bit polyphonic sound with user-adjustable sound effect and volume options.
• Soundtraxx® Hyperdrive2™ Advanced Motor Control for refined low-speed operation.
• Flex-Map function mapping technology for reassigning function keys F0-F28 to any effect.
• Precision motor and flywheel drive.
• All-wheel drive.
• Die-cast frame.
• Operating headlight and reverse light with Rule 17 operation or automatic direction control.
• Illuminated number boards.
• Detailed painted bodies with precision graphics.
• Separately applied fine-scale handrails, horns, and clear window glass.
• Blackened metal wheels with RP25 contours.
• Detailed trucks with see-through sideframes.
• Magnetically operated E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers, front and rear.
• Performs best on 11.25” radius curves or greater.
• Product Measurements: L 4.75 in., W 0.75 in., H 1.2 in.