Southern Pacific GP40-2 7677, built by EMD in March 1980, was photographed on a dark day in American history – September 11. No, not that really dark day in US history, but the one that was a dark day for fans of the Southern Pacific, when the Union Pacific's merger with the Southern Pacific took effect. SP 7677 had been repainted after the SP's merger with Denver & Rio Grande Western into the new SP "Speed Lettering" scheme, reflecting the fact that Rio Grande had purchased the Southern Pacific Transportation Company on 10/13/88, with the new road keeping SP's scarlet and gray paint scheme but modifying the lettering. SP 7677, which features the unusual italicized nose initials, is seen here teamed with SP GP40-2 7952. (City of Industry, California – September 11, 1996)
