This was one of 60 (MP #'s 9000-9059) late production C36-7's ordered by the MP to UP specifications. The last ten of the order featured frames with anti-climbers originally destined for NdeM units but diverted because of that road's financial problems. These units also had a larger than usual (4500 gallon) fuel tank, forcing the air reservoir tanks into the radiator compartment. It rode on rebuilt truck bolsters from MP U30C trade-in's, and was rated at 3750 horsepower. Beginning in February 1988, all of MP's 9000 series C36-7's were upgraded at North Little Rock. The upgrade included rebuilt trucks, rebuilt engines, new radiators, and UP lettering.

One of the high-tech features of MP's C36-7 fleet is their use of GE's microprocessor-controlled Motor Thermal Protection Panel (MTP). This device analytically calculates the temperature of each traction motor's windings, using the ambient air temperature, amperage levels, and the motor's recent operational demands, and uses this data to establish the maximum current that can be fed to each motor should it enter its short-time rating. The MTP panel alleviates the need for the engineer to keep a close eye on the ammeter to avoid motor burnout.

Also pictured is the bridge over the White River, approved for construction on May 25, 1903. The Army Corps of Engineers determined that the White River was a navigable stream, so a turn span 285 feet long was designed into the 1091 foot long bridge (not including the short five panel timber approaches at each end). A contract was let out to the Phoenix Bridge Company, and the materials for construction were floated up the river on steamboat-powered barges. By June 1, 1904 the bridge was in service after a minor setback on March 24, 1904 when a flash flood caused a 27 foot rise in the river washing away the false work under one of the 80 foot girder spans, dropping the span into the river. The turn span was not yet complete, lacking the turning machinery. By June 20, 1904 the turn span was completed, tested, and never turned again. The arrival of the railroad in Cotter all but killed off the river barge business. Typical power north of Cotter in MP's steam era was double-headed 2-8-0's.