Caltrans Cab Car Conversion.
Amtrak Non-Powered Control Unit (NPCU) 90218 is seen leading San Joaquin train 702(10) out of Sacramento, passing the Blue Diamond Growers plant on the north side of the city. The cab unit is a converted F40PH locomotive, modified into a cab car with the removal of the prime mover, traction motors, and main alternators. The conversion process also involved adding a roll-up door so that the former engine compartment could be used for baggage, leading to these cab/baggage cars being colloquially known as "cabbages." This unit is one of three sporting a Caltrans paint scheme, on long-term assignment to the state-sponsored Amtrak California operations.
From one train each way in 1973 between Bakersfield and Oakland when it started up, this line as expanded to six trips daily; four to Oakland and two to Sacramento.
