The BCR Roster included eight M420W's and eight corresponding 'B-unit' Cabless M420 locomotives delivered new in October 1973. The cabless B units were soon equipped with an interim design Radio Control system that allowed the cabless B-unit to be positioned mid-train coupled to other locomotives and connected using traditional MU-cables while being controlled by the Engineer in the lead locomotive at the point of the train. Once the bugs were worked out this allowed for more loaded cars per train and somewhat improved train handling performance. The Radio control equipment was later removed and the M420 series were used on light weight districts of the Railroad. BCR 684 was wrecked in 1994 and retired in 1995.
This photo location was the North Vancouver Shops. Note the overhead sanding tower in the background with the numerous tubes to distribute clean dry sand to the locomotives during servicing.
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