SP 1518 – The First EMD SD7 by El Cobrador on Flickr.
Via Flickr: Antelope, California, switching at the west end of the Roseville Yard. Scan of a photo I shot in 1995 or 1996 (not long before the UP merger). This locomotive was the first SD7 built. Originally EMD demonstrator 990, it was bought by the Southern Pacific. When delivered, it had dual controls (control stands on both sides of the cab) for bi-directional operation. Because of this, it originally had the “bloody nose” on both ends. It had several numbers while with the SP, #1518 being the last. This classic engine lasted in service with SP through the UP merger in 1996 and is now at a railroad museum in Illinois. I knew nothing about the history of this unit when I shot the picture–I’m glad that I did, though. sagehopper 56 months ago Had an old friend back in the late 60’s that worked in the Roseville shops. Gave me a “cooks tour” one time. Very enjoyable ! El Cobrador 56 months ago I had a tour of the diesel shop in 1998 (after the UP merger) as part of a class I was taking. They had cleaned up and painted everything. cklx 56 months ago @ El Cobardor - Was this picture made at the tour you made in the nineties? The SD7/9’s share a timeless elegance with the EMD F’s and other early EMD’s. El Cobrador 56 months ago cklx: This picture was shot a number of years prior to the tour I made. Both the east and west ends of Roseville yard (which are miles apart) are easily accessible on public roadways for easy viewing. I live nearby and went there many times during the final SP days (mostly at the east end in downtown Roseville) to watch trains. Even before I became a true “railfan”, these engines were the first thing that came to mind when I thought “SP.” sagehopper 56 months ago Thanks for the history ! Those old high-noses were cool. I can remember watching them in Riverside (UP) back in ‘56 and '57. All GP7s then. They would be pulling fruitblocks from Highgrove. Bet there isn’t a single orange or grapefruit grove there any more. El Cobrador 56 months ago There would have been quite few Santa Fe GP7’s down that way during the same time period, as well. sagehopper 52 months ago They didn’t have much in the way of fuel tanks, did they? El Cobrador 52 months ago They removed one of the tanks when they were relegated to yard duty. AustinBD 23 months ago What film is that? And how do you like your scanner? El Cobrador 23 months ago | reply At the time of this photo I had a cheap Kodak 35 mm point and shoot camera. The film would have been developed at a local store. My scanner (which is also a printer) has served me well over the last few years. AustinBD 23 months ago Wow! Nice colors, considering the equipment.