Building #2003 GP38u circa June 2007
Photos and text by Patrick Durand
GP38 Serial No. 35441 was built in 1969 to become Penn Central #7812. It then became ConRail #7812 and was acquired by the Alaska Railroad in 1986 to become #2003. As of January 2010 the locomotive is still in service in the original blue and yellow paint.
Originally built as GP38 units five were rebuilt with Dash 2 components by National Railway Equipment and acquired by the ARR between July and December 1986 in fresh paint numbered 2003-2007. During rebuild, the locomotives received extended dynamics, a four-stack liberated exhaust system, the "T" light package, electronic bell/horn, and strobe light.
Over the years appliances have evolved. The electronic bell/horn eventually was abandoned when air horns were moved back on the cab and eventually placed between the rear exhaust fans. Roof top strobes were retired as ditch lights were installed. Switcher double mirrors were installed on the fireman's window.
Even while spending most of their time in the Fairbanks area none of these units were equipped with winterization units or window awnings. They carried the original paint for 20 years until they started getting the "Quarter Pounder" paint job in 2007. A unique feature of the class is the APU auxiliary power unit installed under the rear radiators. A three cylinder Kaboda diesel is plumbed into the locomotive cooling system and when the outside temperature approaches 38° F the APU automatically starts and circulates coolant to keep the prime mover warm. The exhaust is a small 1.5" pipe that comes out of the end panel above the number board. The beacon on the right side of the long hood next to the dynamic brake blister starts flashing if the temperature falls and the APU fails to start. With no anti-freeze in EMD engine blocks this was a necessary feature in Fairbanks where constant idling was not an option.
The model started as an Atlas decorated GP 38-2 shell which was mated to an extra GP40 chassis I had on hand. The small fuel tank was used and the modifications made to represent 2003 as she appeared in June of 2007.
Parts list for ARR GP38u #2003 as of June 2007.
Detail Associates
Details West
MV Lenses
Small red class lens 4 ea.
Clear lenses for dual headlight above cab.
Touch up paint is Railbox Yellow, and the blue is 50/50 CSX Blue and B&O Royal Blue.
Process:
Snap out the dynamic housing and extend the blister to the rear edge of the casting and add the small door per photos. While at it add the two additional exhaust stacks between the dynamic fan and the original stacks. These new stacks do not have the rectangular base.
The horizontal dual Pyle headlight casting was notched horizontally across the back with a zona saw to accept the beacon bracket. The strobe beacon had been removed but the bracket remained behind the headlight. The bracket was a strip of .010 brass with one 90 degree bend to fit behind the headlight casting.
The windows in the cab should be secured with light applications of Micro Crystal Clear at the seams. If you take this opportunity to open a cab window it adds to the character of the locomotive. There are no awnings applied but you should plug the mounting holes.
The switcher mirrors on the left side are blister package plastic cut from a 90 degree corner. Drill holes above and below the window on the centerline. Create a staple shaped bracket from wire to fit into the holes. Cut the plastic mirror material to match photos and glue the mounting bracket to the back inside corner of the "mirror" with ACC. Stainless steel paint on the back inside bend and the edges of the plastic will create the mirror and frame.
The speed recorder is mounted on the right rear journal of the front truck. Position the ground effect lights, just aft of the jack stands at the edge of the frame under the cab windows. Tall MU stands go on each end platform.
The front plow was modified to match the photo by moving the opening for the hoses and adding the drop doors. The grab irons at the top of the plow were added. (I cheated by leaving the long legs on the grab irons and glueing them out of sight on the back of the plow. The ditch light castings are notched on the rear to clear the cut lever just as on the prototype.
Sound and DCC is provided by a Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-AT1000 Part #828048 with the EMD 645 non-turbo package. This unit replaces the original Atlas circuit board and still accepts a speaker and enclosure under the dynamic housing.
Touch up paint is Railbox Yellow, and the blue is 50/50 CSX Blue and B&O Royal Blue. The photo by John Combs reflects the heavy weathering these locomotives were subjected to. All the horizontal surfaces become coated with a heavy layer of OILY BLACK consisting of diesel exhaust, coal dust, glacier silt and grime. Here is your chance to go wild with weathering techniques if you are of such a mind.
The 2003 model is a fair representation of her class as listed below.
Unit |
Bldr. |
Model |
B/D |
B/N |
History |
Acq. |
Status |
| 2003 | EMD | GP38u | 1969 | 35441 | ex-CR 7812; nee PC 7812 | 1986 | in service |
| 2004 | EMD | GP38u | 1969 | 35402 | ex-CR 7773; nee PC 7773 | 1986 | in service |
| 2005 | EMD | GP38u | 1969 | 35381 | ex-CR 7752; nee PC 7752 | 1986 | in service |
| 2006 | EMD | GP38u | 1969 | 35383 | ex-CR 7754; nee PC 7754 | 1986 | in service |
| 2007 | EMD | GP38u | 1969 | 35409 | ex-CR 7780; nee PC 7780 | 1986 | in service |
| 2008 | EMD | GP38u | 1968 | 34714 | ex-CR GP40 3250; exx-PC; nee NYC | 1986? | in service |