EMD SD38-2

EMD SD38-2
LLPX 2808 in February 2005
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
Builder
ModelSD38-2
Build date1972–1979
Total produced90
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARC-C
 • UICCo′Co′
 • CommonwealthCo-Co
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Trucks6-Wheel
Wheel diameter40 in (1.0 m)
Minimum curve57°
Wheelbase13 ft 7 in (4,140 mm)
Pivot centres43 ft 6 in (13,260 mm) between bolsters;
Length68 ft 10 in (20,980 mm)
Width10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) over cab width
Height15 ft 7.5 in (4.763 m) over top cab
Loco weight368,000 lb (167,000 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity3,200–4,000 US gal (12,000–15,000 L; 2,700–3,300 imp gal)
Lubricant cap.243 US gal (920 L; 202 imp gal)
Coolant cap.240 US gal (910 L; 200 imp gal)
Sandbox cap.56 ft3 (1,600 L)
Prime moverEMD 16-645E
RPM:
 • RPM low idle200
 • RPM idle315
 • Maximum RPM950
Engine typeV16 Two-stroke diesel
AspirationRoots-blown
AlternatorDelco 14 or
AR10E1-D14
GeneratorMain: GM - AR10E1-D14
Auxilary: Delco A8102
Traction motors6 × D77/78 DC
Cylinders16
Cylinder size8.5 in (220 mm) x 10 in (250 mm)
Gear ratio62:15
MU workingYes
Loco brakeAir, Dynamic
Train brakesWestinghouse 26L Air Brake
Performance figures
Maximum speed65 mph (105 km/h)
Power output2,000 hp (1,500 kW)
Tractive effort:
 • Starting90,000 lbf (41,000 kgf) @ 25%
 • Continuous82,100 lbf (37,200 kgf) @ 6.6 mph (10.6 km/h)
Career
LocaleNorth America, South America

The EMD SD38-2 is a model of six-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) from 1972 to 1979. EMD built 90 of these medium road-switchers, which were used in both yard and mainline roles. Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the SD38-2 was an upgraded SD38 with modular electronic control systems, HT-C trucks, and many other detail improvements. The locomotive's power was provided by an EMD 16-645E 16-cylinder engine, which could generate 2,000 horsepower (1,500 kilowatts). These units were constructed with either 3,200 or 4,000 US gal (12,000 or 15,000 L; 2,700 or 3,300 imp gal) fuel tanks and were available with or without dynamic brakes. It shared the same 64-foot-8-inch (19.71 m) frame as the SD40-2 and SD45-2, which gives it a length over couplers of 68 feet 10 inches (20.98 m).