Comments on: Roster shot of CN Rail Car 176-16. This photo shows clearly the “cutting wheel” used in wintertime, as mentioned by Paul O’shell in a past comment column. You can also plainly see the handbrake has been applied by the brake pads pressed up against the wheels. For those who did not have a scanner back then, that speaker on the back of the speeder was a great source as to what and when things may be about to happen.

By: TMike

TMike — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:06:51 +0000

Does anyone have any information about this particular rail car? Did it survive ? Many were sold off as surplus to railcar collectors. Lots are out there-usually on weekend excursions

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:17:14 +0000

Some of us might argue that point.
Thanks for posting and thinking of us Work Equipment types!

By: A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 16:58:32 +0000

Before this leaves the first page, thanks everyone for coming to have a look. Equipment photos are not quite as sexy as unit pictures, still interesting though.

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 11:16:40 +0000

Excellent photo and great commentary. Thanks, guys.

By: A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 03:20:48 +0000

Thanks Paul. Track speed for freights was 30mph at that time, so, it would be pretty easy for a rail car to catch up then. Without exceeding limits to excessively. Many times I saw the section crew coming into town, following about a 1/4 mile behind a train.
Futuristic version, I was so excited to be taking this things picture in like new condition. But, as Paul stated, in short time, the hi-rail trucks took over. I was taking photos of a dinosaur without knowing it.

By: Klaucker

Klaucker — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 01:05:24 +0000

So cool….I have great memories of these, and the ultra futuristic version to boot

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:06:20 +0000

Back when your above photo was taken, the maximum speed for a track unit was 25 m.p.h., and the same a,b,c parameters shown below. The attainable speed for a track motor car back in the day was much faster than the authorized speed.
Current Canadian Rail Operating Rules specify
TRACK UNIT (TU)
A vehicle or machine capable of on-track operation utilized for track inspection, track work and other railway activities when on a track.
TRACK UNIT SPEED
A speed that;
(a) permits a track unit to stop within one-half the range of vision of equipment or a track unit;
(b) permits a track unit to stop short of a switch not properly lined or any obstruction or track defect that may prevent safe passage; and
(c) does not exceed maximum authorized speed for that track unit.
https://tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation/rules/canadian-rail-operating-rules/definitions

By: A.J. Foyt

A.J. Foyt — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:08:42 +0000

I have no idea what the top speed would be for a rail car. They had no problem getting one of these back on the tracks at a crossing and catching up to trains when heading back to Redwater for lunch.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:56:16 +0000

Wow! What a great close up shot for showing the details of CN 176-16.
This particular unit is a 1986 built almost new Woodings Railcar model CBL 4-man section track motor car. By 1987, track motor car purchases at CN were tapering off at a rapid rate due to the widely accepted use of hi-rail trucks for track maintenance employees across the system.
In addition to the ‘ice cutter’ wheels and external speaker mentioned by A.J.F. in his above caption, this ‘modern’ section car also features front rail sweeps, two-panel side doors to aid in rapid ingress and egress if needed, dual front and rear running and marker lights, a spring base fiberglass whip antenna and storage hook, an amber lens covered strobe light, decals showing proper manual lift and turn procedure, stencils indicating where to jack or lift the car, and, an all fiberglass fully enclosed cab.
It may not look like much, but back in the day, the section crew would likely think they had just received a ‘Cadillac’ compared to what it replaced.