GP40-3 (Wabtec Cab Rebuild)
The true four axle workhorse for the Florida & Gulf Coast Railroad (FGC) was the 3000hp General Purpose (GP) model. These units were purchased from various sources going back to the original Alabama, Florida & Gulf Railroad (AFG) and were joined by FGC units left by MDRail Transportation after they sold the FGC to Florida & Gulf Industries (FGI). Many of the AFG units retained their L&N inspired paint well into the FGI era and were assigned to road switching and local train service and some branch lines on the combined system. These units launched the Hurricane Intermodal Service in 2018, but were all but replaced as FGI added purpose built GP60, GP39M, GP39MB, GP49, and GP40M-3 units. As SD40-2W and SD40-2F units entered the roster, many moved to manifest road trains and road switching trunk lines of the combined FGC-AMRR system.
When Florida & Gulf Industries purchased the FGC and combined it with the existing AF&G, it inherited a number of GP38 and GP40 units from MDRail. FGC was the third owner for a lot of these tired road switchers. Prior to the sale, MDRail management already reached the conclusion that the GP40s had to be rebuilt or replaced. As a result, it commissioned its in-house rebuilder MDRailShops in Maryland to supply GP50M-3 units using leftover GP50 cores from the TGX Program GP65 Series One specification. The GP50 cores were rebuilt as GP40-3 units internally in the early 2000s. The GP40M-3 units replaced the older GP40s on a one-to-one basis. The rebuild was considered a success, being a modern, economical rebuilt locomotive that benefited from the newer general specifications if the GP50 core such a larger radiator and efficient Q fans, microprocessor control and diagnostics and solid wiring, (as opposed to older unrebuilt GP40s). Six units were delivered and working on the FGC at the time of the sale of FGC by MDRail to Florida & Gulf Industries. These remained with the FGC assets, but the MDRailShops ceased the rebuilding program, with no further units delivered. These six former GP50 units were blocked in the 400 series with the GP40-3 WABTEC units sent to and rebuilt in the mid-2000s by Stephens Railcar Services.
As was mentioned, the FGC inherited GP40 units from both its own AF&G and the MDRail after the purchase of FGC assets. These GP40s were showing their age and the efficiencies of the MDRailShops GP50 core GP40M-3 units proved out that fact in availability and maintenance costs. As units were sidelined by derailments or severe failures, FGI contracted Stephens Railcar to begin rebuilding the ailing units into remanufactured new GP40-3 units similar to the ongoing SD40-3 Recapitalization Program. The success of the SD40-3 Recapitalization Program prompted FGI to extend the program to GP units. Stephens Railcar added these units to the original scope of the SD40-3 Recapitalization Program and specifications were developed to fully modernize the units. Remanufacturing consisted of each candidate being stripped to the frame and all components restored or replaced to OEM specifications. The cab and main electrical cabinet were replaced with a WABTEC aftermarket skid which included under floor HVAC equipment, modernized and collision protection upgrades and microprocessor controls. The primemover was replaced with a 710 engine and compatible alternator with new traction motors and free flow blower system. All rotary equipment was either rebuilt or replaced following OEM specifications. Completed units were sandblasted and painted in the current FGI Sunburst corporate colors. In addition, PTC was added to allow these units to lead on interchange partner mainlines using PTC control.
The GP40-3 remanufacturing began in 2023 at a rate of 2 units per year. By 2025, five units were completed. Two additional units were sent to Stephens Railcar in early 2025 and were being converted, with three units being produced by the end of the year. These units were assigned in the same pools as the SD40-3 units, mainly due to their PTC capability.
| Road Number | Number Of Units | Paint Scheme | Notes |
| FGC 400-403 | 4 | Sunburst Standard Scheme | exx-LN, ex-CSXT; Acquired 1/2002; units transferred to FGC at start-up of as AFG 425-428. Sidelined over mid 2000s due to various failures; retired and sent to Stephens Railcar for conversion to GP40-3 specs; cab and electrical cabinet replaced by WABTEC aftermarket skid. 710G primemover added; PTC also added; In service as PTC lead capable on CSXT and GARD trackage rights. |
| FGC 405-407 | 2 | ??? | exx-CSXT, ex-HELM ; Acquired 1/2008; units transferred to FGC at start-up of as FGC 434-435. Sidelined over mid 2000s due to various failures; retired and sent to Stephens Railcar for conversion to GP40-3 specs; cab and electrical cabinet replaced by WABTEC aftermarket skid. 710G primemover added; PTC also added; currently being rebuilt at Stephens Railcar |
| FGC 415-420 | 6 | Sunburst Standard Scheme | ex-UP, exx-MP or exx-CNW GP50 cores derated to 3000hp and rebuilt to GP40-3 standards. Some units had dynamics brakes added |
Georgia Road Transportation 