© trainspo.comGMD SD38-2
Built by EMD, GMD
Overview of the GMD SD38-2
Discover the powerful SD38-2 diesel locomotive, a reliable workhorse built by EMD and GMD between 1972 and 1979.
This robust locomotive, featuring a Co'Co' axle configuration and an EMD 16-645E prime mover delivering 1500 kW, is engineered for demanding rail operations.
Its proven performance and durability have made it a staple for numerous railway companies across the United States and Canada, including the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, Burlington Northern, and Canadian National Railway.
Measuring 20.98 meters in length and weighing 166 tons, the SD38-2 exemplifies strong engineering focused on efficiency and longevity in freight transport and switching duties.
GMD SD38-2 technical specifications
| Value | Imperial / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Series | SD38 | |
| Family | Dash 2 | |
| Built by | EMD, GMD · 1972–197988 units | |
| Power output | 1,500 kW2,012 hp | |
| Prime mover | EMD 16-645E | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in | |
| UIC axle arrangement | Co'Co' | |
| Length | 20.98 m68 ft 10 in | |
| Width | 3.13 m10 ft 3 in | |
| Height | 4.75 m15 ft 7 in | |
| Weight | 166 t365,967 lb |
Operators of the GMD SD38-2
Railway companies that have operated the SD38-2, with the class designation used by each of them.
| Operator | Class | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian National Railway | CN SD38-2 | Canada |
| Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad | BLE SD38-2 | United States |
| Burlington Northern | BN SD38-2 | United States |
| Chicago and Illinois Midland Railway | CIM SD38-2 | United States |
| Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway | DMIR SD38-2 | United States |
| Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway | EJE SD38-2 | United States |
| Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad | IHB SD38-2 | United States |
| Iowa Interstate Railroad | IAIS SD38-2 | United States |
| McCloud Railway | MCR SD38-2 | United States |
| McCloud River Railroad Company | MCRR SD38-2 | United States |
| Private owners group | @private-us SD38-2 | United States |
GMD SD38-2 photos
Photos © their respective authors, shared on trainspo.com. They may show liveries or variants that differ from the specifications above.
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