In 1978 the Seaboard Coast Line had started a Rebuild Program to convert its GP7s, GP9s, and GP18s into remanufactured GP16s at half the cost of buying new motive power. The main shops were in Tampa, FL with component shops of Waycross, GA and Jacksonville, FL. In Tampa the former locomotives were striped down to the trucks and then rebuilt the frames and shells. In Waycross the diesel prime movers were converted from 567 models to the 645 models. With each equiped with the latest fuel saving devices. They rebuilt the generaters to D32 standards and completely rebuilt the traction motors. In Jacksonville, the high voltage cabinets were rebuilt and the new 26L brake systems were applied with new compressors.
The new remanufactured GP16s weighed 120 tons, 56 feet long, and 10 feet 3 inches wide. The output rating by the 16-cylinder engine was at 1,600 horsepower with a top speed of 65 mph using a gear ratio of 62:15. They carried 1,600 gallons of fuel, 299 gallons of lubricating oil, 230 gallons of water, and 18 cubic feet of sand. With an extended life expectancy of another 15 years with the first one off the assembly line in Augest 24, 1979.
The Seaboard Coast Line bought the only 7 BQ23-7s ever made, numbered 5130-5136 in 1978-79. In 1977 the SCL had purchased 45 MP15AC switchers numbered 4000-4019 and 4200-4224. The SCL also rebuilt 8 of their SD35s and SDP35s into H15 that were derated to 1,500 horsepower and used for hump yard service. They also ordered 15 B23-7s numbered 5100-5114 in 1978. Their second order of 15 more B23-7s numbered 5140- 5154. In the spring 1977 they had ordered 41 new GP38-2s including 34 for L&N #6011-6044; 3 for CRR #6005, 6006, and 6045; 2 for Georgia railroad numbered 6009 and 6010; and 2 for AW&P #6007 and 6008. In March and May of 1980 they had 17 new B30-7s numbers 5500-5509 and 5510-5516. |