Hey folks, it’s time for another product review video! This time around we’ll take a look at the Rapido HO EMD GP38 diesel locomotive. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the Electro-Motive Division road unit and BNSF Ry. 2157; points out the various detail parts; and demonstrates some of the sound and light effects on our sample, which is equipped with an ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder. Then watch the GP38, decorated in Heritage I paint, switch industries on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch layout.
In addition to BNSF Ry, the Rapido HO EMD GP38 diesel locomotive is decorated for Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (blue-and-yellow warbonnet, with and without class lights); Baltimore & Ohio (blue and yellow); Burlington Northern (Cascade Green and black with nose stripes); Conrail (blue with “can opener” herald); CSX (gray “g”; blue and gray “b”; and gray, blue, and black “s” schemes); Norfolk Southern (black and white with ditch lights and high short hood); Penn Central (black and white); and Southern Ry. (“tuxedo” scheme, high short hood). The four-axle road unit is offered in one to four road numbers per scheme.
The HO EMD GP38 has an injection-molded plastic body and die-cast metal chassis. In addition, the model has metal side handrails with plastic stanchions; wire grab irons; traction motor cables, air filters, and other separate, factory-applied underframe details; railroad-specific battery box doors, truck sideframes, dynamic brake hatches, and air filters; a detailed cab interior; and see-through, etched-metal steps. Lighting features on the road locomotive include operating headlights, tri-color class lights, ditch lights, and beacons as appropriate.
Direct-current models with a 21-pin connector are priced at $239.95. Versions with a dual-mode ESU LokSound V5 sound decoder have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $349.95.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
