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Post by darinhassett66 on Sept 10, 2023 20:12:58 GMT -8
Hi everyone,
My question is I have an HO scale RP-E4D but all I have is a GP-38-2 can it power the slug in real life and if not why only the 40-2? thanks
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Post by cemr5396 on Sept 10, 2023 22:23:06 GMT -8
Hi everyone, My question is I have an HO scale RP-E4D but all I have is a GP-38-2 can it power the slug in real life and if not why only the 40-2? thanks short answer, yes. Long answer.... While 40s have an extra 1000 maximum horsepower over the 38s, they don't really start making it until the higher throttle notches when the turbo comes off the clutch and starts actually making significant amounts of boost. Before that happens they both have pretty much the same performance. And they also both have the same alternator, the AR-10, which is actually quite powerful. So much so, that with their lower horsepower, 38-2s don't even need to make electrical transition. They stay at the same state all the time (parallel, IIRC). This also means that at low speeds an AR-10 has a TON of reserve capacity, perfect for running a slug. In addition, if you wanted some real world examples, both CN and CP had slugs paired with GP38-2 mothers. The CP units were 'road slugs' rebuilt from GP35s, while the CN's were purpose built yard slugs. CP retired theirs a few years ago but CN still has theirs. |
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Post by loco8107 on Sept 11, 2023 4:31:27 GMT -8
Funny this subject comes up as I just googled some CSX GP38-2 pics and saw some of the ex SCL ones working with yard slugs back in the 90’s. Conrail and NS had GP10’s and GP9’s respectively doing the same work years ago.
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Post by nsc39d8 on Sept 11, 2023 5:22:59 GMT -8
The NS RP4-ED'S were originally paired with NW GP40's so for prototypical wise it should be paired with a GP40 or the rebuilt GP40-2's. NS never used GP38's as slug power.
Some NS GP40's were able to handle two RP4-EDs at a time for road power. NS considered the RP4-ED as a road power slug hence the dynamic brakes.
I do not know for sure why NS chose the GP40'S for slug use. They were a minority on the combined NS roster as they were originally bought NW.
If your operations are freelance then I say go ahead and use the GP38 for the mother. I know my local RR uses a GP38 as a slug mother with a rebuilt CN GP40W as the slug.
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