Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 review

Color photo of HO scale diesel locomotive painted orange and black on scenicked base — The Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 is offered with prototype-specific details. Features on the Milwaukee Road unit include a 1,700-gallon fuel tank, Prime electric bell, and an all-weather cab window on the engineer’s side. *Cody Grivno photos*

An upgraded HO scale Electro-Motive Division GP38-2 is available from Athearn. The Genesis-series model is now offered with illuminated number boxes and class lights, along with light-emitting-diode lighting and all-wheel drive and electrical pickup.

Prototype history

Electro-Motive Division produced the GP38-2 from January 1972 through July 1986. During the course of the production run, more than 2,200 units were built. The four-axle road switcher, rated at 2,000 hp, had a 16-cylinder, 645E3 diesel engine; an AR10 alternator; and D77B traction motors.

The sample we received is decorated as Milwaukee Road 363, part of the railroad’s 350 through 365 series. The Milwaukee Road ordered its GP38-2s in two batches. Units 350 through 355 were built in June 1973 and didn’t have dynamic brakes. Diesels 356 through 365, equipped with dynamic brakes, joined the roster in September 1974.

Model features

Color photo of orange and black HO diesel on white background — A factory-applied snow plow, m.u. and train line hoses, and wire grab irons are among the features on the Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2. The handrails and stanchions are Celcon.

Similar to other Athearn Genesis models, the GP38-2 has a multi-piece plastic body and a die-cast metal chassis. The locomotive features a variety of factory-applied detail parts, including wire grab irons, m.u. hoses, and Celcon handrails and stanchions.

The Milwaukee Road road unit has many prototype-specific details, including a roof-mounted Prime electric bell, an all-weather cab window on the engineer’s side of the cab, and a 1,700-gallon fuel tank. Of the three units Athearn offers decorated for Milwaukee Road, the 363 is the only one with dynamic brakes and billboard-style lettering.

I removed the front and rear draft-gear boxes to separate the chassis from the shell. Wires are tethered between the two, so use caution when lifting the shell from the chassis.

The motor and flywheels are centered in the chassis. The dual cube speakers are located above the rear truck.

Model vs. prototype

Color photo of HO scale diesel painted orange and black on white background — The Athearn Genesis HO EMD GP38-2 decorated for Milwaukee Road is offered in three road numbers. Unit 363 features dynamic brakes and billboard lettering.

Our review sample is decorated in Milwaukee Road’s orange-and-black paint scheme. The lettering placement matches prototype images.

Drawings of the EMD GP38-2 were published in Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Vol. 2, Diesel Locomotives (out of print). The Athearn Genesis model matches printed dimensions.

The GP38-2 we received has a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 decoder. I tested the model at the workbench with an NCE Power Cab. At step 1, the model moved at just under 4 scale mph. At step 28, the locomotive achieved a top speed of 66 smph.

Next, I took the GP38-2 over to the Winston-Salem Southbound for further testing. The model had no problem switching cars, easily navigating the
No. 4 turnout and 30-degree crossing.

More than 50 years after the first GP38-2 was produced, many examples can still be found in service. The HO Athearn Genesis model faithfully captures the lines of the prototype.