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GP 60 and SD 38

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  • 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?
  • 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!
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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