U30B 846 at Birmingham, Alabama in December 1973.

This photograph was taken at the Frisco Mechanical Department’s locomotive facility at East Thomas Yard. In the distance to the left of the subject locomotive’s nose is the converted roundhouse at this location. The shop was converted during the transition era from servicing steam to diesel locomotives.

The subject locomotive featured special lettering applied by the builder, General Electric. As delivered the special lettering introducing its “XR Series”. This marked and stood for the manufacturer’s introduction of its “eXtra Reliability” Series. This included new low pressure electrical cabinets with modular electronic components.

The only other locomotive to feature the special “XR Series” lettering was Louisville and Nashville U30C 1499. In addition to the special lettering, this six-axle unit also featured a unique special paint scheme of gold, white and black.

Coupled behind the subject locomotive in black and yellow paint with silver lettering is Seaboard Coast Line U36B 1780. During this era the Frisco, Seaboard and Union Pacific pooled locomotives together on expedited transcontinental run-through trains between the east and west coasts.

The view is looking northeast.

Special thanks to Mark Davidson.