The units after Hardy Street rebuilt them were somewhat of an enigma. The entire group was listed in the Special Instructions has having a maximum speed of 25 unless moving Isolated or dead and there was a badge plate in the cab reading DO NOT EXCEED 25 MPH (or something similar). Most units would continue to load (at least partially) as the speed increased above 25, but I know of an incident where one unit apparently tried - albeit unsuccessfully - to make transition at 25 (the result being a flash-over inside the electrical cabinet and the cab filling with smoke).

I think it's generally accepted that transition was not removed during rebuilding, just blocked somehow, and that individual units may have been returned to normal transition - whether officially or unofficially. If the modification was anything like what was done to the SDP45s when they were assigned to commute service, it would've been pretty easy to return them to "normal". I had left the L.A. Division before the Alcos came west, so I don't have personal experience with them. Another question often asked at the time was why the dynamic braking was disconnected.

One specific thing I do recall, however, is that the crews preferred the C-630s over the C-628s, as the 630s had better cab insulation, thus were quieter in the cab. They were also known in the West Colton yard as being strong pullers.

I've sent an email to a retired SP Mechanical Department officer, asking if he remembers anything about the transition issue. Will report back anything of interest.