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Post by dak94dav on Feb 6, 2016 12:51:04 GMT -5
Every once in a while, I come across pictures of a Santa Fe GP39-2. How is it different from a GP38-2 or GP40-2? Looks just like a 40/40-2 to me. Was this a factory offering or some kind of rebuild?
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faraway
Probationary Member
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Post by faraway on Feb 6, 2016 14:25:09 GMT -5
The 39 is basically a turbocharged 38.
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Post by jmlaboda on Feb 6, 2016 18:48:08 GMT -5
The GP39-2 is a 12 cylinder Alternator equipped locomotive capable of putting out 2300 HP compared to the 16 cylinders in a GP38-2, which is only capable of producing 2000 HP. While there is no fuel savings at lower speeds there is a fuel savings at higher speeds with the CP39-2 when compared with the GP38-2.
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 6, 2016 18:59:23 GMT -5
EMD offered similar models in the 50 series (GP49) and 60 series (GP59).
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spike
Chairman
They say I can't be Spike anymore, so Mr. Burns it is!
Posts: 561
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Post by spike on Feb 6, 2016 20:52:42 GMT -5
The basic way to spot a GP39-2 is that it has 2 cooling fans over the radiator, just like a GP38. The difference is that the 39 has one large stack behind the aspiration air intakes, which are behind the cab. This is similar to the stack on a GP40-2. The large stack is indicative of the turbocharger. A GP38 doesn't have one, and has 2 small stacks (although some rebuilding programs increased this to 4).
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deez
Chairman
Midland Belt Railway
Posts: 949
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Post by deez on Feb 6, 2016 21:01:26 GMT -5
Dak94dav, to help you identify most diesels around today, pick up a copy of "The Contemporary Diesel Spotters Guide". They are very informative for diesel reference. I have practically wore out the first copy I bought years ago and still use it for most of my quick reference questions.
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Post by dak94dav on Feb 7, 2016 14:27:12 GMT -5
Many thanks, guys, for the info. That definitely clears things up as I'm planning for a fleet of locos to model for a modern shortline railroad. Looks like a 38 would be more suitable for the slower speed operation.
And thanks for the suggestion, deez. I've got plenty of modeling books, but I think it's time to get a few for the real deal. Kiamichi Railroad, the local shortline in my area, will be a good place to put it to use. They've got everything from first gens to an ex-Canadian National wide nose.
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Post by danraitz on Feb 7, 2016 15:10:53 GMT -5
dak94dav
If you are interested in more info on the GP39-2's there have been multiple articles on them in various magazines.
The first ones that I would recommend are in the February 1991 issue of Model Railroader, and the September 1988 issue of Mainline Modeler. In that they cover the prototype, with rosters and describe the differences in the 3 distinct phases of this model.
Dan
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Post by emd16645 on Feb 7, 2016 16:11:20 GMT -5
GP38s would definitely be a better fit for a shortline, however a shortline will go with whatever is cheapest available at the time power is needed.
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Post by jmlaboda on Feb 7, 2016 19:42:36 GMT -5
One shortline, the Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay, was an original buyer of GP39s, purchasing one, which it numbered 507. Years later they decided to replace it with a GP38 since, lacking a turbocharger, the '38 was less expensive to maintain.
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Post by dak94dav on Feb 7, 2016 22:41:57 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. Those back issues are great to have, you never know what you might find that's just what you need.
Very cool about the Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay. A big reason I have a soft spot for shortlines is the variety and back stories of the motive power. You never know what you might see.
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Post by nbrodar on Mar 18, 2016 15:48:30 GMT -5
Another reason SF liked the GP39s is the turbos didn't suffer power loss at higher altitude, like the normally aspirated GP38s did.
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