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.