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Locomotive-Specs
GMD SD38-2 – photo 1© trainspo.com
Diesel locomotive

GMD 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 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
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

Operators of the GMD 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

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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