HO Used Athearn RTR DCC Sound BNSF EMD GP38-2 Switcher Diesel Locomotive #2272

Description

Used HO scale Athearn Ready-To-Roll DCC Sound Equipped BNSF EMD GP38-2 Switcher Diesel Locomotive #2272

Manufacturer: Athearn RTR (Ready To Roll)
MFG’s Item #: ATH29218
Original Retail Price (MSRP):  $99.98 (For the 9-pin DCC Ready version)
Roadname: Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
Actual Condition: Good: Used, upgraded with a TCS Wow 101 Diesel Sound, light and motor function decoder, Stored in a substitute Tailormade box.
Extra Info: Has McHenry scale plastic sprung knuckle couplers, is missing Front and Engineer’s front side handrails, some over gluing at handrail attachment points, Directional lighting.

This BNSF EMD GP38-2 Switcher Diesel locomotive was made by Athearn as one of their Ready-to-Roll items that was sold as a DC locomotive with a 9-pin DCC Ready connector for easy drop-in decoder upgrade to DCC.  A previous owner installed a Train Control Systems Wow 101 Diesel decoder.  The decoder is not using the 9-pin connector (as can be seen in one of the pictures).

This model is a consigned item that was received a little dirty.  I brush-cleaned it and glued some of the handrail anchor points to the plastic shell.  No box was received with the item, so I made a custom replacement box to store the locomotive in.  It is missing the 2 pieces of handrails mentioned above and has a couple paint blemishes.  The lights in both the front and the back fit loosely and slide in and out of their sockets.  You may wish to glue them in place.  It has been upgraded with a high-end decoder with a lot of great features.  You will probably want to visit TCS and look up the features, programming, and operating manual for the decoder upon receiving it.  It has already been programmed to the road number of 2272.  Watch the video for nearly 30 minutes of test running on my layout and verbal information about this BNSF EMD GP38-2 Switcher locomotive.

The locomotive has RP-25 contoured nickel-plated machined wheels, 8-wheel power pick-up, and 8-wheel drive.  The Heritage III paint scheme is beautiful with Wedge / Swoosh logo and crisp lettering.  The road number appears at least 8 times around the locomotive.  The decoder is currently set to provide directional lighting, a lot of bells that can be easily cycled through, a pre-recorded quilled horn, long horn, short horn, and other sound capabilities including audio assisted programming so that you don’t really have to remember a lot of CV’s.  It has a keep-alive function that can keep the sound and locomotive running over rail gaps or dirty tracks.

Please review the pictures and the video so that you can make a judgement call on your own regarding what you are buying.  This item is not returnable for any reason once purchased, so it is as I have stated and as pictured and videoed.  It works very well.  It has a prototypical low high-end speed and performs well at low speeds as a road switcher, performing yard work, or pulling short trains on branch lines.

Google AI information:

The prototype Electro Motive Division (EMD) GP38-2 is a 2,000-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motor’s Electro-Motive Division (EMD) between 1972 and 1986.  As a staple of the BNSF fleet, it is widely used for yard switching, local freight, and branch line service due to its reliability and high tractive effort.

Prototype Key Details:

• Engine: Powered by a 16-cylinder 645E roots-blown diesel engine.
• Dash 2 Technology: Introduced modular electronic control systems for improved reliability.
• Role: While designed as a road switcher, its 2,000 hp makes it a workhorse for both terminal, hump yard, and transfer service.
• BNSF Modifications: Many BNSF units feature “PTC brows” (positive train control equipment housing) on the cab and, in some cases, modified air intakes.
• Longevity: Known for being exceptionally durable and easy to maintain, with many still in service over 40 years later.

The GP38-2 is a cornerstone of the EMD Dash 2 line and remains a common sight on the BNSF network. 

•  

Here are some model specific details and features:

• Bright front and rear directional headlights (even though they are loose and slide around in their holes).
• Heritage III (H3) BNSF Wedge / Swoosh paint scheme.
• All-wheel power-pickup and All-wheel drive.
• RP25 Contoured Nickel-plated Machined Metal wheels.
• Drivetrain: Equipped with a motor featuring dual flywheels and a multi-link drivetrain for smooth operation.
• Construction: Features a plastic body shell with a heavy die-cast frame for increased traction and pulling power.
• Detailing: Comes with factory-installed Celcon handrails, see-through cab windows, and separately applied wire grab irons.
• Body style: Standard cab with chicken wire grilles and 3,600-gallon fuel tank.
• Trucks: Blomberg-M sideframes, 2 axles per truck (B-B) arrangement.
• Performs best on 18″ radius curves or greater.

Note:  The Dynamic Break Housing is supposed to have 2 clips that hold it in place.  Many people probably grab this housing to pick-up the locomotive.  The Dynamic Break Housing is missing a clip on 1 side (inside) which could cause it to slip off easily accidentally causing the locomotive to drop.  DO NOT PICK THIS LOCOMOTIVE UP BY THE DYNAMIC BREAK HOUSING, especially not while trying to lift it out of or put it into the custom storage box.  The video discloses this issue and instructs you on the best places to grab this locomotive to avoid dropping it and damaging it.  Watch the entire video.  No returns are allowed especially if you damage the locomotive because you didn’t pay attention to the full disclosures of its handling instructions.

gc:B19/2