Skip to content
Locomotive-Specs
EMD GP38 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Diesel locomotive

EMD GP38

Built by EMD

Power output
1,490 kW
1,998 hp
Track gauge
1,435 mm
Standard gauge
Years built
1966–1971
706 units
Axle arrangement
Bo'Bo'

Overview of the EMD GP38

Explore the powerful EMD GP38 diesel locomotive, a workhorse of the rails renowned for its reliability and versatility.

Built between 1966 and 1971, this iconic locomotive features a robust EMD 16-645E prime mover, delivering an impressive 1490 kW of power.

With a standard gauge of 1435 mm and a Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement, the GP38 has served numerous railway companies across the United States, including prominent names like Burlington Northern and Norfolk Southern.

Its enduring legacy is a testament to its efficient design and consistent performance in freight and switching operations. Discover the history and impact of the GP38.

EMD GP38 technical specifications

Value
SeriesGP38
Built byEMD · 1966–1971706 units
Power output1,490 kW1,998 hp
Prime moverEMD 16-645E
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangementBo'Bo'
Source of the data: en.wikipedia.orgView this model on trainspo.com Spotted an error? Let us know

Operators of the EMD GP38

Railway companies that have operated the GP38, with the class designation used by each of them.

OperatorClassCountry
Ashland RailwayASRY GP38United States
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe RailwayATSF GP38United States
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe RailwayATSF GP38uUnited States
BNSF RailwayBNSF GP38United States
Burlington NorthernBN GP38United States
Chicago, Missouri and Western RailwayCMNW GP38United States
CITI CorpCBFX GP38United States
Gateway Western RailwayGWWR GP38United States
General American Marks CompanyGSCX GP38United States
Gulf Mobile & OhioGM&O GP38United States
Indiana Harbor Belt RailroadIHB GP38United States
New England Central RailroadNECR GP38United States
Norfolk Southern RailwayNS GP38United States
North Shore RailroadNSHR GP38United States
Texas Northeastern RailroadTNER GP38United States
Wisconsin and Southern RailroadWSOR GP38United States

EMD GP38 photos

Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.

More diesel locomotives from EMD

All EMD models

Similar diesel locomotives from other manufacturers

All diesel locomotives
All EMD models All diesel locomotives