What external differences are there between a GP38 and a GP38-2? Gp40/ GP40-2? Can -2's be substituted for non -2's? (except for SD40's, I know) The issue is, I have a GP38 and a GP40 by Athearn they are both called dash 2 unites, but can they both double as GP38 and GP40 for a mid- to- late 60's setting?
Dash 2 line body has an inspection glass for checking water level. Battery box doors are bolt-ons instead of hinged. Slight overhang of cab roof at back, versus flush. Different trucks- Spring hangers, dampening struts, side frames. Boxcab E50
What about anti-climbers on the -2 series? Was that universal, too? Or not really an identifying characteristic?
A single brake shoe on each wheel and a single brake cylinder on each truck are other identifiers. Anti-climbers are not a given on -2s.
The trucks are not a reliable way to identify a GP-38-2 from a GP-38. Many railroads opted to have their -2's ride on reconditioned Blomberg trucks from trade-ins rather than the new Blomberg M truck, which is most easily identified by it's dampening strut on one axle on each side. Tom
There are numerous spotting features of the dash2's. These are the features that are found on all dash2's whether a GP or SD. First, there is the roof overhang on the back of the cab. 2nd, the water level sight glass. 3rd, the radiator access cover plates 4th, the battery compartment (on the conductors side) extends back under the cab. Dan (edited spelling of wether (don't need any castrated sheep around here)).
Also, the early GP38s had the rear fans spaced apart, while on the -2s and the newer 38s, the fans were closer together. Also, after 1980, Q-fans could be found on the -2s.
