Skip to content
Locomotive-Specs
EMD SD38-2 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Diesel locomotive

EMD SD38-2

Built by EMD, GMD

Power output
1,500 kW
2,012 hp
Weight
166 t
365,967 lb
Length
20.98 m
68 ft 10 in
Track gauge
1,435 mm
Standard gauge
Years built
1972–1979
88 units
Axle arrangement
Co'Co'

Overview of the EMD SD38-2

Discover the EMD SD38-2, a powerful and reliable diesel locomotive renowned for its effectiveness in freight operations across North America. Its robust design and enduring performance have made it a staple for many railway companies.

Built by EMD and GMD between 1972 and 1979, the SD38-2 features an EMD 16-645E prime mover, delivering a substantial 1500 kW of power. With a length exceeding 20 meters and weighing approximately 166 tons, this locomotive is engineered for demanding traction duties.

The SD38-2 boasts a significant operational history, serving prominent railroads such as the Canadian National Railway, Burlington Northern, and Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. Its widespread adoption is a testament to its versatility, durability, and consistent performance on the tracks.

EMD SD38-2 technical specifications

Value
SeriesSD38
FamilyDash 2
Built byEMD, GMD · 1972–197988 units
Power output1,500 kW2,012 hp
Prime moverEMD 16-645E
Track gauge1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in
UIC axle arrangementCo'Co'
Length20.98 m68 ft 10 in
Width3.13 m10 ft 3 in
Height4.75 m15 ft 7 in
Weight166 t365,967 lb
Source of the data: en.wikipedia.orgView this model on trainspo.com Spotted an error? Let us know

Operators of the EMD SD38-2

Railway companies that have operated the SD38-2, with the class designation used by each of them.

OperatorClassCountry
Canadian National RailwayCN SD38-2Canada
Bessemer and Lake Erie RailroadBLE SD38-2United States
Burlington NorthernBN SD38-2United States
Chicago and Illinois Midland RailwayCIM SD38-2United States
Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range RailwayDMIR SD38-2United States
Elgin, Joliet and Eastern RailwayEJE SD38-2United States
Indiana Harbor Belt RailroadIHB SD38-2United States
Iowa Interstate RailroadIAIS SD38-2United States
McCloud RailwayMCR SD38-2United States
McCloud River Railroad CompanyMCRR SD38-2United States
Private owners group@private-us SD38-2United States

EMD SD38-2 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