The Austin Steam Train’s recently purchased GP40-3 has a new look—and a familiar number. In this article, you’ll learn how the team honored its Penn Central history while giving it a fresh identity as ATCX 3118 and see it’s transformation.
Earlier this year, ASTA officially purchased the GP40-3 locomotive we had been leasing for several years from Horizon Rail. As part of the sales agreement, the previous owner’s reporting marks had to be removed, which set the stage for some spirited debate among the team: how should we re-letter and renumber this locomotive.
Ultimately, we decided to honor its history by restoring its original Penn Central number—3118. Our mechanical foreman, Matt Jackson, also designed a sharp new reporting mark scheme for its current lettering, knowing that a full repaint is in the locomotive’s future.
It took a little time for everyone—including our Dispatchers—to get used to saying “ATCX 3118,” but the name has stuck, and the locomotive has quickly become part of the family. If you haven’t had the chance yet, come ride with us and see the new look of ATCX 3118 in action!
We wouldn’t be able to accomplish these projects without the support of our community. As a donor-supported, volunteer-led nonprofit, the Austin Steam Train Association is truly a community effort—and everything we do is made possible by friends like you.
Thank you for helping us bring the wonder of historic railroading to Central Texas!
