September 11th, 1996 - The day that the Southern Pacific was officially merged with the Union Pacific. And on that day, Southern Pacific GP40-2 7677 was found in the SP's yard in City of Industry, California. Built in March 1980, 7677 was by this date wearing the revised SP scheme that was inspired by the Rio Grande (which had purchased the SP in 1988). Somewhat of a rarity is the italicized "SP" on the nose.
