In the mid-1980s the MBTA purchased six GP9s from the Burlington Northern for use on trains of depowered RDCs that did not require locomotive HEP. Still wearing GN green, MBTA 1921, a onetime NP unit, has just departed the station at Gardner, MA, for Boston.
The 70's and 80's were a transition period for the MBTA characterized by an eclectic mix of equipment including Budd RDC's, ex-New Haven stainless steel coaches, and a mix of motive power acquired from various railroads.
