Switching question / CP Rail

[RobertInOntario]

CP has a number of older SWs that have been rebuilt into non-engined RCL (remote control) platforms that can be connected with other standard engines to remote control them. (These are just remote control receivers. No engine and no traction motors.) CP also has a couple of old SWs rebuilt into engineless slugs (has traction motors and draws power from a mother unit) but it sounds like you were looking at an RCL unit.

CN has a lot of GP9s that have the remote control equipment directly installed; these units are often also slug mothers. I live in Sarnia next to one of CN's rather sizable yards, and there's generally about 4 or 5 GP9/slug combos working the yard throughout the day, all remote controlled by the switch crews.

Thanks, this is interesting. I didn't know this remote control use was so widespread. Now that CP is back to work, I can start watching this yard again!