Atlas Model Railroad Co. Product Review

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This review was taken from the April, 2002 issue of Model Railroad News and is reproduced with permission of Lamplight Publishing, Merlin, OR.

ATLAS GP38 – Early Version Joins the Atlas Master Fleet

Review by Michael J. Pratt

The newest addition to the Atlas Mater HO scale diesel lineup is the early version of EMD’s GP38. The Atlas Master line features the Dual-Mode Decoder which allows the modeler to switch a locomotive from analog to digital mode and back again.

The Atlas GP38 is being offered with dynamic brake or non-dynamic brake inserts, and either a 2,600 or 3,600 gallon fuel tank as appropriate by railroad. Roadnames being offered include: Clinchfield, Detroit, Toledo & Ironton, Main Central, Missouri Pacific, and Norfolk Southern. Each roadname is available in two roadnumbers and one unnumbered unit. Undecorated models are available.

The Early GP38

In the late 1960s, EMD determined that there was a market for a less-than 3,000 h.p. locomotive, especially one without the added expense and high maintenance of a turbo-charger. Production of the GP38 began in January, 1966. The new locomotive used the 16-cylider, 645E prime mover rated at 2,000 horsepower. At the end of production in December, 1971, EMD sold approximately 466 GP38s in the United States, 21 in Canada, and another six in Mexico.

The GP38 can be recognized by two radiator fans located on top of the long hood and two small exhaust stacks. After three years in production, EMD changed to a paper air filter design, rather than the original oil bath filter. This change can be recognized by a box-like protrusion raised a little above the hood line between the central air intake and the shortened dynamic brake blister (if equipped with dynamic brakes).

Another change occurred with the radiator screens on the long hood. Early versions had what has become know as “chicken wire” grills due to the large wire screen over the filters. Later versions were equipped with corrugated grills recognizable by their vertical corrugations. It is this version, sans paper air filter box and with chicken wire grills, that Atlas has produced.

The Atlas Early GP38

The new GP38 from Atlas follows the same level of detail as their previous General Purpose EMD locomotives. Several of them have been reviewed in MRN, so in-depth detail discussion is probably not necessary. I will mention that this new model includes the same outstanding list of details as those already released: separately installed scale windshield wipers, metal grab irons, scale handrails, movable drop steps, coupler cut bars, and MU hoses. Outstanding details of the GP38 include: metal brake cylinder lines on each truck, very thin and clear cab windows, and the radiator fans and grills. Small, plastic lift rings are present on the long hood.

The list of detail parts to be added by the modeler include: a snowplow, an electrical cabinet air filter box (ECAFB), sunshades, engine compartment vents, and end handrails. Some of these parts may not be required depending on the prototype. The model also features a detailed cab interior with crew, and walkway safety tread.

Our sample came decorated for Missouri Pacific. It features the small fuel tank and no dynamic brakes. Molding is subtle and very clean. The chicken wire radiator grills are nicely done. Hinges and door latches are not obtrusive. The steps and footboards all feature fine drain holes. The GP38 comes with AccuMate knuckle couplers installed. X2f couplers are also included.

The MoPac Geep is painted an overall dark blue with white striping. The paint work is up to Atlas’ high standards. Under the cab windows are MP Lines logos. Separately painted hand rails are on both ends. The model features a nicely done builder’s plate below the cab. Window frames and window wipers are painted silver. Numbers are in the front and rear number boards.

The drive in the new GP38 is the standard configuration: a die cast underframe; a five-pole, skewed armature motor with dual flywheels; and directional lighting. In operation, our sample was somewhat of a letdown, or at least on the lower end of the performance curve, for Atlas Master locomotives. Starting voltage for the model is 2.6 volts @ .15 amps, which is as much as one volt higher than any other Atlas HO diesel I’ve tested. Minimum continuous voltage is 2.2 volts. Scale speed at 12 volts is 75 mph, an even match for other Atlas Geeps.

Our sample GP38 model can pull as average of 27 freight cars (166 ounces) on level track, and around two 90-degree curves, without slipping. The short wheelbase allows for easy operation around 18 inch curves. The model weighs in at 14.5 ounces. The directional headlights are slightly visible at around 5.5 volts, and bright at around 8.5 volts. The decoder jumper plug is located under the removable center section of the long hood, and comes set for analog operation.

The Early GP38 is another reason why Atlas has remained in its high standing as an HO diesel manufacturer. But a Geep is just a Geep, right? Don’t forget that the more versions produced, the closer they will come to making the diesel you need to finish off your roster. Manufacturers are producing just what modelers want – variety. How can we knock them because they give us just what we asked for?