Rapido HO Scale Natchez Trace & Orient EMD GP38 Locomotive NTO #317 - DCC/Sound
Add distinctive shortline diesel power to your HO scale railroad with the Rapido Trains EMD GP38 locomotive Natchez Trace & Orient #317. Produced in partnership with Home Shops LLC, this exclusive release features the Natchez Trace & Orient paint scheme, railroad-specific detailing, and factory-installed ESU LokSound DCC/Sound for realistic operation.
Introduced in 1966, the EMD GP38 was a 2,000-horsepower, four-axle diesel-electric locomotive powered by EMD's 16-cylinder 645E prime mover. Built for freight and switching assignments, the GP38 became a dependable workhorse for railroads across North America. Many later entered regional and shortline service, making these locomotives a natural fit for modelers recreating local freight and industrial operations.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rapido Trains
- SKU: RAP038580
- Manufacturer Item Number: 038580
- Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
- Railroad: Natchez Trace & Orient (NTO)
- Locomotive Type: EMD GP38
- Road Number: NTO #317
- Paint Scheme: Natchez Trace & Orient
- Configuration: Single Diesel Locomotive
- Control: DCC/Sound
- Sound Decoder: ESU LokSound
- Release: Home Shops Exclusive
- Suggested Minimum Radius: 18 inches
Model Features
- Highly detailed EMD GP38 body with road-specific details
- Accurate Natchez Trace & Orient paint scheme and lettering
- Rapido's straight metal side handrails with plastic stanchions
- Factory-installed separate metal grab irons and handrails
- Detailed underframe with traction motor cables, air filters, and separately applied components
- Road-specific battery box doors and fuel tank details
- Multiple stepwell styles with see-through etched steps
- Highly detailed cab interior
- Prototype-appropriate cab or nose headlights
- Operating headlights, rear lights, class lights, ditch lights, and beacons where appropriate
- Cannon and Company licensed radiator fans
- Prototype-specific dynamic brake hatches and air filters
- Factory-installed ESU LokSound DCC/Sound decoder
- MoPower capacitor system for uninterrupted DCC power
Natchez Trace & Orient GP38 #317
This Home Shops exclusive recreates Natchez Trace & Orient GP38 #317, offering a distinctive addition to any HO scale shortline or regional railroad roster. The locomotive's railroad-specific appearance and classic EMD styling make it well suited for layouts featuring local freight trains, industrial switching, and branchline operations.
With factory-installed DCC/Sound and Rapido's extensive exterior detailing, this GP38 combines realistic appearance with modern operating features for modelers interested in shortline diesel power.