SP 5308
This loco was built in 5/1951 with EMD construction number 15624 as demonstrator unit EMD 990, the very first SD7. She toured the country to various railroads to tout the benefits of EMD's new six-axle road switcher. The SP purchased the unit and sent it back to EMD to be rebuilt to the most updated SD7 specifications. EMD released her on 10/11/1952 with dual control stands. A large ash can style headlight on each end and a steam generator for passenger service were added by the SP shortly after she arrived on the property.
She was assigned number SP 2715 in the 1965 system renumbering.
All of the SD7's were renumbered as a group in 1973 to make room for new MP15 switch engines. This unit was renumbered SP 1415.
She entered the GRIP program and emerged as SP 1518 in 2/5/1980.
Being such a historic locomotive, she was apparently watched after by someone at the SP (and later UP) and eventually donated in 2003 to the Illinois Railway Museum where she is located today. It is not known if she is servicable or not.