By early 1975, the Rock Island could no longer pay its bills, and petitioned the backruptcy courts for reorganization and protection from creditors on March 17, 1975. Federal Judge Frank McGarr appointed as trustee William M. Gibbons, who promptly appointed John W. Ingram as president and CEO. One of Ingram's first actions was to announce a new paint scheme and image, and this may or may not be the first locomotive to wear that New Image paint. It later became C&NW 4162.