BNSF donates locomotive to Museum

Last month, the BNSF donated one of its locomotives, BNSF 2127 (s/n 37443), to the Galveston Railroad Museum.

The 2127 was built by EMD in February, 1971 for the Frisco Railroad, who numbered it #650. Burlington Northern bought the Frisco and renumbered the engine 2127, the number it kept after BN merged with ATSF in 1995.

2127 is a somewhat rare version of the classic GP-38 road switcher, the GP-38AC. The GP-38ACs were practically the same as the regular GP-38, except they feature a more powerful alternator that allows it to haul more cars. They were only produced between 1970 and 1971, when the more common GP-38-2 came online.

Over 3000 GP-38s of all types have been built, but surprisingly few have made their way to railroad museums. This is because they are still in service with shortline railroads across the United States.

Many thanks to BNSF for the donation!