SD40-3 (Wabtec Cab Rebuild)
The backbone of Florida & Gulf Coast RR (FGC) and Alabama & Florida & Gulf RR (AFG) was the EMD SD40 series of locomotives. These units were equally at home in mainline power or for local road switchers and yard and transfer service. While the combined system featured many light density lines, freight traffic was collected at key terminals and moved on mainline trackage to and from customers in Florida and Alabama to interchange points in Amory, MS and Birmingham, AL. This operational scheme was established by the MDRail controlled FGC and continued on later Florida & Gulf Industries (FGI) consolidated system. EMD 38 and 40 series units were a good application in these areas, along with the AMRR fleet of SD45M units. After the acquisition of the FGC by corporate holding company FGI, MDRail Transportation moved many MDRail owned locomotives back to home rails, leaving an acute power shortage on the FGC. A group of former BN SD40-2s, ex MILW EMDX SD40-2s from the AGF and group of SD38 and SD38-2 units were assembled to form the six axle roster of the combined AFG-FGC system. FGC purchased a group of SD40T-2 units also, made available as UP purged its roster of the model. These units would stabilize the FGC roster of six axle units until the merger of the Alabama Midland RR (AMRR) into the FGI fold. The AMRR brought with it former CNW SD45 units rebuilt into SD45M (SD40-2 internally) units along with lighter branch line power such as the ex MILW SDL39s, SD10s and a well maintained first generation fleet of six axle units. While this satisfied the combined system requirements, any growth would require more motive power.
Growth did come as a result of the FGC-AMRR combination and well worn six axle units were showing their age. The AFG SD40-2 fleet of ex-MILW and FGC ex BN units were showing their age. As a result, FGI decided to invest capital to rebuild these units in an effort to extend their lifespan for the foreseeable future. Stephens Railcar was tasked with the rebuild, 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.
Primary assignments for these units, now designated as SD40-3 units, were manifest and RockTrain service running over Georgia Road trackage rights from Yolande (Alabama Junction), AL and Birmingham, AL. Units were also assigned to trains working over CSX trackage rights between Jacksonville, FL and Baldwin, FL. These units were scheduled to be remanufactured on a one for one basis over several years. As of 2025, a total of ten units were completed. The last two feature the new Sunburst 3 scheme.
| Road Number | Number of Units | Paint Scheme | Heritage |
| FGC 850-853 | 4 | Sunburst Standard Scheme | Originally AFG 750-752, 754. Rebuilt by Stephens Railcar Services in 2020; equipped with PTC |
| FGC 854-855 | 2 | Sunburst Standard Scheme | Originally AFG 756, 757: Rebuilt by Stephens Railcar Services in 2021; equipped with PTC |
| FGC 856-857 | 2 | Sunburst Standard Scheme | Originally FGC 761- 762 Rebuilt by Stephens Railcar Services in 2023; equipped with PTC |
| FGC 858-859 | 2 | FGI Sunburst 3 Scheme | Originally FGG 778-779 Rebuilt by Stephens Railcar Services in 2024; equipped with PTC |
Georgia Road Transportation 