In 1984 my company had a contract from the Chinese to carry 220 C36-7's from Newport News to China. Prior to the first shipments we visited Erie and noticed that there were very few lashing points available in order to secure the locos in the ship. Our company port captain noticed there were holes drilled in the frame and asked what were they for. GE replied they were used to bolt on lifting gear in order to turn the loco frame right side up after the underside was completed. The port captain asked if the holes could be left open in order to bolt on lashing plates. 37 years later, GE is still providing those lashing plates. They were known as "elephant ears" in recognition of the the elephant logo of my company, Jumbo Navigation.
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