Atlas Model Railroad Co. Product Review

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This review was taken from the December, 2001 issue of Model Railroad News and is reproduced with permission of Lamplight Publishing, Merlin, OR.

ATLAS N GP38

Review by Michael J. Pratt

Atlas has released the GP38 in N scale. Like previous N scale diesel models of the past few years, the new model will be offered in two variations: one with a factory-installed Lenz decoder and the other with a PC board designed for easy conversion to DCC if desired.

The new N scale GP38 locomotives are being offered with or without dynamic brakes depending on roadname. Roads offered include: Alaska (blue/yellow), Santa Fe (Warbonnet), Baltimore & Ohio (blue/yellow), BNSF (green/orange), CSX (Bright Future), GM&O (red/white), New England Central (blue/gold), and Southern (black/imitation aluminum). The Southern model features a high, short hood. Undecorated models include both dynamic brake and non-dynamic brake versions.

EMD’s GP38

Production of EMD’s GP38 began in January of 1966. The new locomotive used the 16-cylinder, 645E prime mover rated at 2,000 horsepower. The GP38 can be recognized by two radiator fans located on top of the long hood and two small exhaust stacks. The locomotive remained essentially unchanged during its production life; however, after three years of production, EMD changed to a paper air filter design, rather than the original oil bath filter system. 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).

EMD produced limited numbers (approx. 240) of the GP38AC in 1971. This involved an internal change by introducing an AR10 alternator in place of the standard D32 direct current generator. The main difference of the newer alternator equipped system is that instead of DC current being produced, AC current is produced and then rectified into DC for the traction motors. As the horsepower of prime movers increased, DC generators had to grow in size in order to compensate. Space limits inside the standard hood soon became an issue. An alternator is smaller than a DC generator of the same capacity. This provided a solution to the space problem, and resulted in the GP38AC. GP38ACs are externally identical to the GP38s.

The early 1970s also saw the production of what were designated GP38X locomotive. These units were the forerunners of EMD’s popular GP38-2. The main difference between the GP38-2 and the GP38 is that the Dash 2 uses modular electronics.

A few external anomalies did exist in the GP38 line during production. High, short hood versions were ordered by Norfolk & Western and Southern. These unites were operated long-hood forward. A few GP38s were ordered with dual cab controls – locomotive controls located on both sides of the car. This resulted in the cab front being extended 4”.

At the end of production in December 1971, EMD sold approximately 466 GP38s in the United States, 21 in Canada, and six in Mexico. Production total for the GP38 and GP38AC is approximately 733 units. The GP38 and its descendants grew to dominate the market niche for 2,000 horsepower road switchers. These locomotives became the universal model of choice to replace first-generation road switchers in local freight or heavy yard work.

The Atlas GP38 in N Scale

Two samples of the new N scale GP38 were received for review. Both are low short hood versions. One model, Baltimore & Ohio, is equipped with dynamic brakes. The other, New England Central, does not have dynamic brakes.

Both models feature Atlas’ usual crisp molding. The door latches and hinges are well defined but not overly done, something I have learned to appreciate with Atlas’ N scale locos. Representational lift rings and hand grabs are also present. The exhaust stacks and top mounted fans are nicely done. The models feature snowplow front pilots, with slots for Multi-Unit (MU) hoses.

The models feature the box-like protrusion indicating the use of paper air filters and a post-1968 production. The models also include a three-chime horn mounted on the top of the cab, common to most Atlas EMD models. Both front and rear pilots feature non-functioning drop steps.

The GP38 models feature Blomberg B trucks. These are well detailed and feature the correct spotting features of twin brake cylinders and leaf springs. The model also features latched and hinged battery box doors, chicken wire side grills, and lacks the oval sight glass on the right side of the long hood – all adding up to a standard GP38.

The models include factory installed AccuMate couplers. Like the HO scale versions, the new N scale knuckle type couplers allow for remote magnetic coupling/uncoupling. A set of standard Rapido couplers is included in the box under the plastic tray.

Atlas is continuing its practice of fine detail painting of its N scale locomotives. This is perhaps the single most prominent, and for this N Scaler, appreciated feature Atlas has done to improve the appearance of their N scale locomotives.

Starting with the New England Central model, the first thing that is noticed is the white handrails in the step well areas. The step edges themselves are tan. The model features excellent lettering on the cab and long hood. Logos are featured on both ends of the model. Plenty of safety warnings and labels are reproduced, along with “1995 Shortline Railroad of the Year” printed in script lettering on both sides of the cab. Large Operation Lifesaver logos are on both sides of the long hood. The fuel tank even has red painted details. Trucks are silver in color.

The Baltimore & Ohio model is a little less colorful, but equally well done. The B&O GP38 features an overall dark blue scheme, with yellow handrails in the step wells, a yellow strip on the side sills, and a large yellow B&O on both sides of the long hood. Step edges are also yellow. The Capital Dome logo is on both ends. Warning labels are less noticeable on the B&O model, but are numerous in number. A builder’s plate has been replicated on the sidesills below the cab. The B&O model features black colored trucks.

The new GP38 locomotives feature Atlas’ proven drive system: an open armature motor in an all metal, insulated, two piece frame. The new GP38 includes: directional lighting; blackened wheels; and a dual flywheel equipped, five pole skewed armature motor. All eight wheels are powered and provide electrical pickup.

The sample locomotives operate at a level less than expected. Minimum voltage is 1.65 volts @ 0.07 amps for the NEC model and 2.05 volts @ 0.1 amps for the B&O unit. Both models operate with a relatively low noise level.

The directional headlights have the familiar yellow glow, and are visible at around five volts. The roadnumbers in the numberboards are also visible.

Both models ran around 9-3/4” radius curves and through Atlas switches without any problems. Wheel dimensions check out fine with the NMRA gauge.

The Accumate N scale couplers are at the proper height according to Micro-Trains’ coupler gauge. The couplers are body mounted, and do not need to be removed before sliding the body off the chassis.

Both the light board and decoder are clamped between the two frame halves of the model. To replace the PC light board or DCC decoder, you must first remove the shell and fuel tank, then pull off the plastic front light cover from the frame. Next, remove the two screws holding the frame halves together. Pry apart the two halves and remove the PC light board or decoder. Both boards make electrical contact directly with the frame and motor, and no DCC plug is required. Reassembly is just the reverse. Be sure the drive trucks and frame insulating washers are in their proper positions. Check for free movement of the drive trucks as you reassemble the frame.

With the release of the GP38, Atlas has filled yet another hole in their N scale, EMD second generation diesel line. More modern locos such as the SD80 and 90 MACs, as well as plenty of GE models, still need to be provided. N Scalers are patiently waiting. Thanks to Atlas, I’m sure it won’t be long.