LIRR GP38-2 Engine Roster 

1 Train Radio
2 Timing Air (ASC equipped)
3 Air Gauges
4 Load Current Indicating Meter
5 Speedometer
6 Heater switch
7 Control and Operating Switches
8 Light Dimmer
9 Dynamic Brake Circuit Breaker
10 Throttle Handle
11 ASC Whistle
12 Heater
13 Reverser Holder (not used on LIRR)
14 Deadman Pedal
15 Control Stand access hatch
16 Headlight Switch-Rear
17 Auxiliary Light Switch-Rear
18 Ground and Gauge Light Switches
19 Indicator Light Panel
20 Air Horn Valve
21 Automatic Brake Valve and Train Order Holder
22 Sanding Wobble Switch
23 Bell Ringer Valve
24 Cut-off Valve
25 Independent Brake Handle
26 Headlight Switch-Front
27 Auxiliary lights-Front
28 Reverser Control
29 Dynamic Brake Handle location
 

The first 22 EMD GP38-2 LIRR engines were:

Numbered: 250-271
Serial #'s: 756091-1 thru 756091-22
Built: 01/1976-02/1976

Delivery began: January 1976  Units: 251, 253, 255, 256
LIRR #252  Delivered from EMD in 1976 to Morris Park in Bicentennial scheme.

The GP38-2 units arrived in blue and white. After a short while on the property, the red was added, due to the bicentennial (1776-1976) plus a special, bicentennial logo.  After the bicentennial was over, they reverted back to blue and white. Info: Dave Keller  

March 1991 #269 first unit painted in yellow & blue

The second order of 6 EMD GP38-2 LIRR engines were:

Numbered: 272-277
Serial #s: 766041-1 thru 766041-6
Built: 03/1977-04/1977

Scrapped: They were shipped with the aid of New York Cross Harbor in Nov. 1999 when the first units started to be withdrawn from service. The engines were stored in Bush Terminal and were car floated over to Greenville a few at a time.  Info: Al Castelli 

Last revenue train was in March, 2000 with a few hanging around for a month, or so later.  Of coarse everything was off in April, or May, 2000 with the last 4 in NYA service.  Info: Neil Feldman

ETT #2 5/24/74 Max Speed

Originally issued G.O. #222 1/29/76 as the GP-38 engines
 went into service on 1/27/1976 with #250-253, #251 
was used on train #42. Info/Archive: Bob Bender

LIRR #251, #253 new delivery
LIRR Publicity Photo
Archive: Joe Sam

NW view.  Train is eastbound.  You’re looking towards Jamaica station. Early morning lighting. Info: Dave Keller

A special thanks to Tim Darnell for his
photos/information contributions.

LIRR #273 Hunter's Point 1976

LIRR #273 Mineola  7/1979
Photo: Tim Darnell

GATX Corporation (reporting marks: LLPX) is an equipment finance company based in Chicago, IL. Founded in 1898, GATX's primary activities consist of railcar operating leasing in North America and Europe. In addition, GATX leases locomotives in North America.

2234: ex-LIRR 265 
2235: ex-LIRR 263 
2236: ex-LIRR 262 
2237: ex-LIRR 254 
2238: ex-LIRR 255
2239: ex-LIRR 251

Progress Rail Services Corporation (reporting marks: PRLX), a fully owned subsidiary of Caterpillar since 2006.


 

Sunday’s Q403-09 brings down PRLX #2268 down the CSX River Line, painted in Amtrak colors. Built in January, 1976 as a GP38-2 LIRR #255.  After retirement from commuter service, it served as LLPX #2238 and GMTX #2268 before getting sent to rebuild into a GP38-3. This unit will soon be serving Amtrak in the near future, with several other ex LIRR GP38s.  Neo Jiang

An unusual test train was operated out of Amtrak's Albany-Rensselaer Shop on Monday, March 18, 2024. Testing various upgrades, including PTC installation, Train 863 was getting ready to depart the yard with Phase VII painted AMTK 740 (GP38-3) leading. 
Marc Glucksman 

Toiling for Amtrak as work train engines (730-series) numbered above 739 will be painted as shown.  John Kilbride

Amtrak #731 ex-LIRR #272 Princeton Jct., NJ Now toiling for Amtrak in work train service, one of 11 formerly operated in commuter runs on the Island.  4/17/2024 Photo/Archive: Timothy Hosey