Larry Wrote:
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> What was the purpose of the BN RCC cars?

Not sure whether you're asking what a RCC is or why they were on the SP, so I'll answer both.

In early 1976 SP arranged with the BN for the use of eight of their SD40-2s that were Locotrol masters, along with a like number of their RCCs (although my somewhat fuzzy memory is that more that eight RCCs eventually operated on the SP). The RCCs were retired F3 and F7 B units that were stripped, ballasted, and had Locotrol receiver equipment installed. One of the BN units was m.u.ed with any number of other units at the head end of the train and the RCC was m.u.ed with another set of units back in the train, creating a "Master/Slave" set. They were extensively tested on many parts of SP's system. In return, SP sent SD45T-2s and at least one GP35 to BN.

In early 1978 SP received a 40-unit order for SD40T-2s that contained either Master or Receiver equipment (these were the SD40T-2s with extended noses; that's where the Locotrol equipment was located), and the BN equipment was returned to them. Given the date of Steve's photo of this RCC, it's probably at Roseville awaiting be deadheaded back home.