Remote control cars on the PGE/BCR In early 1969 CN 6854 was sold to
PGE, and by late 1969 it had been con- verted for remote control service. Modi- fications included removal of all “loco- motive”
equipment: prime mover, AUTHOR’S COLLECTION
Canadian National FPB-2 5853 was the next number down on the CN roster from the unit that was sold to the Pacific Great Eastern for conversion to Radio Control Car 2, and it shows their usual appearance. The MLW B-units had two steam generators for train heat. The PGE installed Locotrol radio control equipment in ten former B-units for remote opera- tion of mid-train helpers. Still in the handsome two-tone green scheme, by 1984 RCC2 car- ried the company’s new name, British Columbia Railway, and the dogwood logo (bottom).
BOBB LOSSE PHOTO
traction generator, auxiliaries, air com- pressor and control cabinet (electrical cabinet). In their place the railway built an enclosed, insulated and heated space for “passengers” and a radio room. In addition to receiving radio sig- nals, the cars were used to qualify crews, so a “habitable space” was need- ed, as well. This is a function most rail- fans would overlook for these units. While railroad operating practices vary for helpers, it is easier and safer to operate locomotives in the middle of the train rather than pushing from the rear. This being the case, the question for the railroads is whether to operate the helper locomotives with an addi- tional crew or remotely from the lead locomotive. The answer is obvious: re- mote control is the most economical way. Remote control technology in 1969 meant a separate car equipped with a radio receiver that controlled the mid- train units through the normal m.u. connections. The PGE and BCR used these cars for many years until new lo- comotives came on the roster equipped with radio receivers. At that point the remote control cars were out of a job and eventually sold off. RCC2 was sold in the early 1990’s and immediately headed east to New Jersey. Both it and RCC1 (an Alco FB- 1) are still with us, awaiting further restoration. They were acquired by a private party to be used as part of Alco A-B-A locomotive sets. Even without the prime mover and the other equip- ment RCC2 will eventually look like a locomotive again!
JOHN BENSON PHOTO, AUTHOR’S COLLECTION: JULY 1984
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