HO GP38-2 Locomotive with DCC & Sound, BNSF #2099 Overview
Once the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroads merged in 1996, several new paint schemes were attempted, including variations on the Superfleet and Great Northern schemes. After some deliberation, BNSF 2099 was repainted in 1996 into what would be known as the âHeritage Iâ scheme. Being that it was the first unit painted, it exhibited a major difference from later repaints in that it had a silver underframe- future units in this scheme, other than the Dash 9-44CWs, would have green underframes.
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 âdash 2â 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.