While Amtrak did change the pilot on the 496, it is indeed ex-Pennsy, as were all five of the 495-499 class of HEP E8s. Otherwise, the identifying features are the niose lift rings, in combination with the m.u. receptical mounted under the headlight. The 496 was ex-Amtrak 288, ex-PC 4280, nee-PRR 5710A. The first unit done, however, was for use with the ex-CNW intercity gallery cars that ran out of Chicago, with one such train being the "Quincy Zephyr" over the BN.
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The plow-pilot was a later addition I beleive. Earlier photos show the unit with the usual pennsy pilot.
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I have her built as PRR 5710 (E8A). The pilot must have been changed because of a crash.
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Anti-"rock through the windshield" shields??
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I have a picture of her with her original pilot and these Amtrak colors in June, 1977. I'll also guess it was replaced after a wreck.
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