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Rapido 38072 EMD GP38 Low Nose Union Pacific #2401 Dash-3 Rebuild 1997+ We Will Deliver DC/Silent HO Scale [OPTIONAL DCC UPGRADE]

Rapido 38072 EMD GP38 Low Nose Union Pacific #2401 Dash-3 Rebuild 1997+ We Will Deliver DC/Silent HO Scale [OPTIONAL DCC UPGRADE]

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Rapido EMD GP38 Low Nose

DC / Silent • 21-Pin DCC Ready • HO Scale

Rapido brings one of EMD's most versatile diesel locomotives to HO scale with an exceptional combination of road-specific accuracy, separately applied details and sophisticated lighting. From its highly detailed cab and underframe to its etched steps, metal grab irons and licensed Cannon & Company fans, this GP38 is designed to capture the distinctive appearance and character of the prototype.

Quick Specs

Manufacturer Rapido Trains
Prototype EMD GP38
Configuration Low Nose with Extended Cab
Power 2,000 HP Prototype
Control DC / Silent
DCC Ready 21-Pin
Suggested Minimum Radius 18"
Scale HO Scale

Product Overview

The EMD GP38 earned a reputation as one of the most versatile locomotives of its generation. With 2,000 horsepower, four-axle construction and configurations that included both low and high short hoods, the GP38 became equally at home handling road freights, locals and yard assignments. Its successful design also helped establish the foundation for the EMD GP locomotives that followed.

Rapido's HO scale interpretation goes well beyond simply capturing the basic shape of the locomotive. Road-specific details, correct fuel tank sizes, multiple stepwell and dynamic-brake configurations, an extensively detailed underframe and an impressive collection of factory-applied components allow the model to reflect the variations found among individual GP38s. This DC/Silent version is also equipped with a 21-pin interface, making it ready for a compatible DCC decoder installation.

The EMD GP38

EMD manufactured 706 GP38 locomotives at its La Grange plant. During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, these four-axle locomotives became familiar sights across North America, serving Class I railroads in everything from road freight service to local switching and yard assignments.

The GP38's usefulness extended well beyond its original service life. Many were rebuilt to -2 or -3 standards, with -3 upgrades incorporating updated electrical systems and computer microprocessors. Numerous GP38s continue to work for Class I railroads, regional carriers and short lines, while others have found new homes with tourist and museum operations.

Product Features

• Road-specific details for each model
• Rapido’s innovative dead straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
• Incredible underframe detail including traction motor cables, air filters and a silly number of separately applied parts
• Road-specific battery box doors
• Conrail will have optional ditch lights provided in a polybag
• Separate metal grab irons and handrails installed at the factory
• Operating headlights, rear lights, white class lights, ditch lights and beacons (where appropriate)
• Highly detailed cab interior
• Correct fuel tank sizes per road number
• Multiple styles of stepwells
• See-through, etched steps
• Suggested minimum radius: 18”
• Separately applied wire grabs
• Appropriate cab or nose headlights
• Now featuring Cannon and Company licensed fans
• Multiple dynamic-brake hatches and air filters
• DC/Silent (21-pin DCC Ready) or DC/DCC/ESU LokSound

Why We Love This Model

The GP38 is exactly the kind of locomotive where Rapido's road-specific approach makes a difference. Rather than treating every paint scheme as the same locomotive underneath, Rapido accounts for details such as fuel tank size, battery box doors, stepwells, lighting arrangements, dynamic-brake hatches and air filters. Add the see-through etched steps, factory-installed metal details, Cannon and Company licensed fans, detailed cab and exceptionally busy underframe, and this is a locomotive with plenty to appreciate from virtually every angle. The DC/Silent configuration is also an excellent choice for modelers who prefer conventional DC operation or want to select and install their own compatible 21-pin DCC decoder.

Put a Workhorse on Your Railroad

From road freights and locals to switching assignments, the EMD GP38 belongs almost anywhere on a diesel-era railroad. Rapido's combination of road-specific detailing, premium construction, extensive lighting and 21-pin DCC-ready design makes this a standout addition to an HO scale locomotive fleet.

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