EMD GP38-2, Long Island Rail Road

by Kevin Walsh

Engine #260 idles at the Shea Stadium platform on a 1999 fantrip. 

The EMD GP38-2 is a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive of the road switcher type built by General Motors, Electro-Motive Division. Part of the EMD Dash 2 line, the GP38-2 was an upgraded version of the earlier GP38. Power is provided by an EMD 645E 16-cylinder engine, which generates 2000 horsepower (1.5 MW). Most built still remain in service in the modern era due to ease of maintenance and exceptional reliability. wikipedia

Some R-33/R-36 “Redbirds,” first used on the #7 Flushing Line in 1964 when the World’s Fair opened and they were painted in light blue and white, can be seen in the background, along with Shea Stadium, which also opened in 1964; the “Redbirds” were retired in 2003, the EMD GP-38-2 in 2000, and Shea Stadium closed after the 2008 season.

kevinjudewalsh@gmail.com

9/22/16

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.