Both RDC1 units were operable, the RDC3 (xGN) was never reliable on the Lewis and Clark Explorer or WURR, both drives have an intermittent electronic/electrical problem. When they were rebuilt by BCR in the 80s, they removed the second cab so they have to run in at least pairs unless you want to run backwards. They were not designed to pull other cars, so dragging along any other cars or dead RDCs is not a good idea.

WURR had gotten a Connect Oregon grant for better passenger equipment to support the tourist train and keep the railroad open. ODOT pressured them into buying the RDCs as they hadn't found any other takers (and ODOT also administered the grant). WURR did try to use them exclusively the first year, but it became obvious that it was not as cost efficient as the older conventional equipment. They did see some limited use over the years, but even using them as regular passenger cars presents some challenges. Each car has three engines - HEP and two drives, so you have to run each HEP. And these are legally considered locomotives, so 92 day inspections are required not to mention the added maintenance of the HEP, brakes and gear units.

You don't need an engineer for these, you need a mechanic/electrician that is qualified as an engineer.