SP SD38-2 page
This page is dedicated to SP's fleet of 6 SD38-2 locomotives. These units were purchased specifically to work the newly constructed West Colton hump yard in conjunction with slugs rebuilt from former SP ALCO C-628 and C-630 units. Later, once the slugs were retired, they were mated with SD9's, SD35's and occasionally SD39's. They were delivered devoid of the standard road unit headlight arrangement as they were considered switchers. They were not run through the GRIP program and none were ever painted in SPSF "Kodachrome" paint or SP Speed Lettering.
Original orders:
The SP purchased SD38-2's new as follows:
SP:
| Orig. road numbers | EMD const. no. | build date |
| SP 2971-2976 | 72681-1 thru -6 | 4/1973 |