It is common practice to leave a spare unit in an obscure location to simplify switching an industry.

For example, OPR bought the 901 to switch a new customer, American Steel, and leaves the unit inside their locked yard. Since the switch opens west, once the "hauler" leaves Canby and pulls over the American Steel switch the 901 is fired up and works the train from the rear.

In an emergency this also gives a unit at the Canby end of the line to assist in cleanup of a derailment should one occur or assist in special switching moves.

Yes...a quarter of a million bucks is a fairly high price to pay for this kind of "insurance" but you can't just go rent a locomotive at Home Depot when you get your tit in the wringer!

Sammie