Athearn Genesis HO Scale Illinois Central GP38-2 IC #9567 - W/DCC & Sound - ATHG-1824

In 1972, Gulf Mobile & Ohio received 15 GP38-2s from EMD. These early phase units featured chicken wire grilles and widely-spaced radiator fans. That same year, the GM&O merged into the Illinois Central. After a few different paint schemes, the IC settled on the simple black and white scheme in the 1990’s. This would become the last scheme worn until the CN purchased the IC in 1998, with many of the units lasting well into the 2010s. EMD GP38-2 DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE PROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION: 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…