During 1986 many of these former WP locomotives began showing up as lease units on several Midwestern railroads. MKT leased 3519, 3521-3523 and 3526 in July and Kyle Railways leased 3517, 3518, 3520, 3524 and 3525 to fill in for their aging ex-Burlington Northern Alcos.  

On February 21, 1987, former WP 3537 had its reporting marks painted out in Kansas City by contractor Mid-America Rail Car in preparation for future sale. With this event, Western Pacific became a museum railroad, with the entire fleet sold off, repainted or donated.  

Meanwhile, back on the Union Pacific, true to the plan the former WP 3501-3516 eventually were cycled through the company's North Platte and North Little Rock paint shops, emerging as MP651-665 and wearing the squared off Missouri Pacific-style of lettering and numbers. The units were then transferred to MOPAC at Houston, TX. and for a short time held assignments in that part of the new UP system. 

In 1983 Union Pacific repainted WP 3532 in full UP regalia but lettered for Western Pacific. It was the only unit so painted. Seen here at Salt Lake City, the unit has already had its nose lights removed and its beautiful Nathan five chime air horn replaced with the standard UP three chime abomination

Paul Hunnel Photo, Rattenne Collection