Illinois Central OLS Operation LifeSaver GP38-2 Phase I No.9601 DCC/Tsunami2 sound

By the early 1970s, many first generation diesels were reaching the end of their service lives. The most common replacement locomotive became the GP38-2. EMD began production of the 16-cylinder, non-turbocharged, 2000 horsepower engine in 1972. Unlike the GP38’s engine, which drove a generator to supply power to the traction motors, the GP38-2s prime mover drove an alternator which produced AC electrical current that was rectified to DC to power the four traction motors. Another major change for the GP38-2 was the introduction of the dash 2 modular electrical cabinet. For more than 40 years, the GP38-2 has worked main line freights, locals, switching jobs, yard service, helpers, snow fighting trains, and hump power. Many remain in service today.


-Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound
-Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
-Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
-Engine, horn, and bell sounds work in DC
-All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
-Precision slow speed control
-Program a multiple unit (MU) lashup with lead unit only horn, bell, and lights
-Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
-Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
-DCC-ready features Quick Plug™ plug-and-play technology with both 8- and 9-pin connector
-Scaled from prototype resources including drawings, field measurements, photographs, and more
-Accurately-painted and –printed paint schemes
-Coupler cut levers
-MU hoses
-Trainline hose
-See through cab windows
-Full cab interior
-Walkway tread
-Fine-scale Celcon handrails for scale appearance
-Windshield wipers
-Lift rings
-Wire grab irons
-Detailed fuel tank with fuel fillers, fuel gauges, & breather pipes
-Sander lines
-McHenry scale knuckle couplers - Kadee compatible
-Genesis driveline with 5-pole skew wound motor, precision machined flywheels, and multi-link drivetrain
-All-wheel drive with precision gears for smooth & quiet operation
-All-wheel electrical pickup provides reliable current flow
-Wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
-Incandescent bulbs for realistic appearance
-Heavy die-cast frame for greater traction and more pulling power
-Packaging securely holds for the model for safe storage