SD38C

The SD38C is a diesel-electric locomotive built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors. It is a variant of the SD38 locomotive, which was introduced in the late 1960s as a replacement for the earlier SD7 and SD9 locomotives.

The SD38C was designed to meet the changing needs of the rail industry in the 1970s, with a focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The locomotive features a 567SC V12 diesel engine, producing 1,600 horsepower, and a D27 generator delivering 660 kW of electrical power. The SD38C was also notable for its hydraulic transmissions, which provided smooth and reliable power delivery.

The SD38C was largely used for freight and switching services in North America, with many units operated by major railroads such as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The locomotive's design and performance made it a popular choice for railroads operating in regional and short-line service.

The SD38C was also used in various modifications and rebuilt configurations by EMD, including the installation of more modern diesel engines and control systems. While production of the SD38C locomotive ceased in the 1970s, many units remain in operation today, often under private ownership or as part of museum collections. The SD38C is remembered as a reliable and versatile locomotive that played an important role in the development of the modern rail industry.