Difference between gp38 and gp39?

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Guilford Guy9887

Guilford Guy9887

Northeast Railfan
I'm starting to try and build an sd39 where there are none commercially build. I read a how to on building an sd38 out of an sd40 and a gp38. What are the differences between a gp39 and a gp38?
 
GP38 - 2000 horsepower
GP39 - 2300 horsepower
Both are the same length - 59' 2" & truck centers - 34'

I "think" the 39s had a turbocharger??).

There were MANY more 38s than 39s. (700+ to 23).
 
The first thing I see is that the dynamic brake blister is different on a GP39.

Second thing is not many roads have or had a GP39.
 


The dynamic brake isn't a concern. I want to model the 693 mec which didn't have dynamic brakes. I'm wondering more about the exhaust fans then anything.
 
Jamie,

For a quick and dirty pseudo SD39, take a Athearn SD38 and replace it's dynamic brake/paper air-filter section with the non-dynamic brake section from an Athearn SD40.
Granted this technique will not give you the correct long hood side doors, but it is the easiest way to do one.

Dan
 
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the most obvious difference: the exhaust stacks. The GP38 is normally-aspirated and has the same type of twin narrow stacks as you find on F units, GP7s and GP9s. OTOH the GP39 is turbocharged and has a large, single stack similar to those found on the GP35 and GP40.
 


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