Repainting GP40s

Number 3012 was the last GP-40 in the BOLD blue and gold paint. This is the first piece of railway equipment to receive a full recoating, from sandblast to decals, done in state in over 20 years. Completed with enough time to serve some dirty jobs along the system in general service, a decision was made to retain the unit to the shops.

	Number 3012 sandblasted and primed

Prior to repainting	Prior to repainting	Prior to repainting

First color shoot after sealer had cured.	First color shoot after sealer had cured.	First color shoot after sealer had cured.

First color shoot after sealer had cured.	First color shoot after sealer had cured.	Masking started with a lot of measuring. The first material used was a super stretchy thin tape generally know as "Fine-Line Tape." The cover mask goes much faster then using standard solvent resistant masking tape and poly sheeting. The second color is applied to anything left open.

Masking started with a lot of measuring. The first material used was a super stretchy thin tape generally know as "Fine-Line Tape." The cover mask goes much faster then using standard solvent resistant masking tape and poly sheeting. The second color is applied to anything left open.	Masking started with a lot of measuring. The first material used was a super stretchy thin tape generally know as "Fine-Line Tape." The cover mask goes much faster then using standard solvent resistant masking tape and poly sheeting. The second color is applied to anything left open.	The moment of truth! It does get exciting pulling mask but towards the end you learn how much more work lies ahead. A large amount of clean up and prep is required before the final clear coat can be applied.

The moment of truth! It does get exciting pulling mask but towards the end you learn how much more work lies ahead. A large amount of clean up and prep is required before the final clear coat can be applied.	The moment of truth! It does get exciting pulling mask but towards the end you learn how much more work lies ahead. A large amount of clean up and prep is required before the final clear coat can be applied.	The moment of truth! It does get exciting pulling mask but towards the end you learn how much more work lies ahead. A large amount of clean up and prep is required before the final clear coat can be applied.

The deep dripping look of fresh clear coat. Providing a hard and durable protective layer clear coat is hardly the last step.	The deep dripping look of fresh clear coat. Providing a hard and durable protective layer clear coat is hardly the last step.	The deep dripping look of fresh clear coat. Providing a hard and durable protective layer clear coat is hardly the last step.

The deep dripping look of fresh clear coat. Providing a hard and durable protective layer clear coat is hardly the last step.	The deep dripping look of fresh clear coat. Providing a hard and durable protective layer clear coat is hardly the last step.	Adding the lettering and numbers can often feel like a whole other complete paint job. Often it ends up that way!

Adding the lettering and numbers can often feel like a whole other complete paint job. Often it ends up that way!	Doing the finial inspection of the new paint is Kevin Stalder, owner of AK Industrial Paint. This was the first time the paint has been seen in natural light.	The northbound Alaska State Fair special leaves Anchorage lead by freshly painted #3012.

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