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GP 60 and SD 38
GP 60 and SD 38
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rrlcommish
Member since
December 2005
From: Franklin, OH
153 posts
GP 60 and SD 38
Posted by
rrlcommish
on Sunday, February 12, 2006 9:10 PM
Athearn sells the above two locomotives, but neither are in the MR Cyclopedia. Does anyone know more about these two locos, most notably what years they were in service?
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SSW9389
Member since
July 2001
From: Shelbyville, Kentucky
1,967 posts
Posted by
SSW9389
on Sunday, February 12, 2006 9:16 PM
SD38s were built between 1967 and 1971. The majority are still in service.
GP60s were built between 1985 and 1994 and are still in service.
COTTON BELT: Runs like a Blue Streak!
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 3:28 AM
Most of the SD38's are in yard service and the GP60's are in road or switching duty.
Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub
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wjstix
Member since
February 2002
From: Mpls/St.Paul
13,892 posts
Posted by
wjstix
on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 10:43 AM
Depends on the railroad, I believe the Missabe's SD-38's are still used on taconite trains.
Stix
Reply
CSSHEGEWISCH
Member since
March 2016
From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
13,540 posts
Posted by
CSSHEGEWISCH
on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:27 PM
The SD38's and SD38-2's of the various US Steel roads were used for road service, mainly low-speed mineral freight for which they were best suited. Most other roads purchased and used them for hump pushers and heavy transfers.
GP60's, when new, were usually used on hot intermodal runs.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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wjstix
Member since
February 2002
From: Mpls/St.Paul
13,892 posts
Posted by
wjstix
on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 12:41 PM
If I recall correctly the SD-38 used many electrical components originally used in the 3000 HP SD-40. Because the SD-38 only generated 2000 HP, these components never approached their maximum capacity and so seemingly lasted forever - kinda like running 12 volt lightbulbs at 6 volts on your layout. Because of that, SD-38's tended to last a long time and were rarely out of service except for routine maintenance.
BTW a quick web search confirmed there are at least some Missabe SD-38's still in use, though a fair number have been retired in the last year or two.
Stix
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