The EMD SD38-2 is a model of six-axle
diesel-electric locomotive built by
General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD) from 1972 to 1979. EMD built 90 of these medium road-switchers, which were used in both yard and mainline roles. Part of the
EMD Dash 2 line, the SD38-2 was an upgraded
SD38 with modular electronic control systems, HT-C trucks, and many other detail improvements. The locomotive's power was provided by an
EMD 16-645E 16-
cylinder engine, which could generate 2,000
horsepower (1,500
kilowatts). These units were constructed with either 3,200 or 4,000 US gal (12,000 or 15,000 L; 2,700 or 3,300 imp gal) fuel tanks and were available with or without dynamic brakes. It shared the same 64-foot-8-inch (19.71 m) frame as the
SD40-2 and
SD45-2, which gives it a length over
couplers of 68 feet 10 inches (20.98 m).