GP 38-3

[jmbjmb]

I got stopped at the crossing a couple of days ago for the CSX local.  The lead locomotive looked a bit different to me.  Best I can describe it was a short flat looking nose like a old U Boat or Alco 430 with the boxey flat roof cab from a modern genset grafted to the body of a geep.  The stencil on the side of the cab said GP 38-3.  Just wondering if this is a one of a kind or a series of rebuilds.  Anyone know?

 

Thanks,

jim

[BRAKIE]

Jim,Those are rebuilt GP38-2s with a new style cab and low hood.They have rebuilt 645Es with a alternator and AC traction motors.

[tstage]

Jim,

Did it look something like this?

Here's a couple of webpages dedicated to them:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?mid=183

http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/dr3332.htm

I wasn't familiar with them either...

Tom

[gmpullman]

BRAKIE

Jim,Those are rebuilt GP38-2s with a new style cab and low hood.

I have seen several rebuild programs, as Brakie mentions, and later cab designs for greater crew protection as the main goal, being used. You can download all 211 pages of the FRA study here:

https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L04682

 

The CSX cabs were built by Progress Rail (subsidiary of Caterpillar, nee EMD).

Some Photos and information here:

https://www.thedieselshop.us/Rebldrs.HTML

 NS has designed the "Admiral Cab" for their use. There may be newer FRA mandates for crashworthiness behind the upgrades.

http://www.altoonaworks.info/rebuilds/admiralcab.html

 "The SD40-2 cab replacement sports a new cab, designed by Juniata and dubbed the 'admirals cab.' Unlike a traditional cab, the front windows slope inward from the top down, intended to cut glare, similar to windshields on Navy vessels. The design idea came from retired Adm. Paul Reason, who serves on NS' board of directors."

I know that thicker steel (1 inch plate!) in the bulkheads and changes in anticlimbers are part of the upgrade as well.

I seem to recall that "Scale Trains" has models with these cabs but they are SD-40-3s. Perhaps they offer others.

https://www.scaletrains.com/products/rivet-counter-ho-scale-emd-sd40-3-csx-yn3

 

Hope that helps, Ed

[nealknows]

I just saw pics of the GP38-3 units in the Florida area. Be nice to see if someone comes out with them in HO scale. I do have the Scaletrains.com SD40-3 units on order...

Neal

[jmbjmb]

Thanks everyone.  Thought they might have been rebuilds.  Definitely a different looking beast of a locomotive.  Kind of attractive in a non wide cab throwback sort of way.  Next time I see it I'll try to get a picture.  Looks to be a brand new or at least newly painted unit in town.

jim

[BigDaddy]

Just saw one on the Fostoria Railcam.