Kato SD38-2's or Atlas GP38's????

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello, I’m planning on having a small “local” on my layout. It’s going to be about 8-10 cars long and I’m wondering which engines I should choose to pull it: 2 Kato Union Pacific Yard SD38-2’s or 2 Atlas Union Pacific GP38’s, or one of each??? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Sean

2

Well, I personally love the SD38-2 (Duluth,Missabe, and Iron Range Railway) so thats what i would go with. They are strong and i currently employ one in D.M.I.R. colors on my switching layout.

3

If you want to be prototypical go with the GP38s.

4

[#ditto]]

Yup. If it is a small local, and will have run a bunch of switches, it would be more prototypical if it was a GP. 10 cars will be easy to handle and the shorter trucks easier on the switches… But then again, 6 axles look cool[:D]

5

It all depends on the tightest curve you plan to run on. If any are less than 22" radius, you should stick with the ‘B’ truck (2-axle) locos — the GP38s. Otherwise you may have derailment problems.

I have to agree with coburn35 though, the SDs are gorgeous. I plan to add an elevated spur with a minimum radius of 30" to my steel mill layout - just to accomodate the SD38-2s I recently bought.