Locomotives Phases - EMD GP38-2

For the changes that occurred from the GP38 to the GP38-2, see GP38-GP40 phases.

GP38-2 Phases

These phases are partly of my own making and partly based on SD40-2 phases by Scott Chatfield.  The GP38-2 underwent a similar evolution to the SD40-2.

Phase 1a

• Radiator intakes: Square wire grid, 2 sections
• Radiator fan spacing: Far apart
  
• Battery box covers: Bolted, small louvers
• Cab sub-base doors: Hinged
• ECAFB: Separated from cab
• Electrical cabinet air filter box, located on the left behind the cab
• Steps: Version 1
• Short hood: 81" length
• Cab side panel: Bolted, 11 bolts along top/bottom
• Pilot/ends: Straight upper end plate corners, no raised coupler cut lever, no front anticlimber
• Rear upper pilot/drop step area: Version 1, inward-facing handrail stanchion supports
• Radiator fans: Flat top
• Exhaust: Raised oblong stacks
• Blower duct: Flat, wide, two ribs, no raised walkway
• Frame side sill: Narrow over air reservoirs, wide at ends

Phase 1b

• Radiator intakes: Square wire grid, 1 section
• Radiator fan spacing: Close together

Phase 2a

• Battery box covers: Bolted, large louvers
• Cab sub-base doors: Lift-off tabs
• ECAFB: Flush with cab
• Steps: Version 2
• Radiator intakes: Corrugated
• Short hood: 88" length, vent on right side
• Cab side panel: Bolted, 13 bolts along top/bottom
• Pilot/ends: Notched upper end plate corners, raised coupler cut lever, front anticlimber (2 versions, depending on railroad)
• Rear upper pilot/drop step area: Version 2, outward-facing handrail stanchion supports

Phase 2b

• Cab side panel: Welded

Phase 2c

• Battery box covers: Horizontal rib added (some railroads)
• Radiator fans: Q-type
• Exhaust: Flush circular openings
  

Phase 2d

• Short hood: Bolted hatch added on top

Phase 3a

• Battery box covers: Latched, lift-off tabs
• Frame side sill: Narrow over entire length

Phase 3b

• Blower duct: Angled, narrow, no ribs, raised walkway ("laundry chute")

Model variations

• All GP38-2(W) units are Phase 1b.

Other details

• Various as-built pilot options: standard footboards (up to 1975), plow (various sizes), sloped (2 types), flat end plate
• Two variations in step spacing, depending on railroad
• Oblong cab vent appears on most units (generally on left side, towards rear) starting with Phase 2a