classic mixed train tech question

[Anonymous]

Back in the days of steam heated passenger equipment how were coaches heated if there were TOFC or other freight cars placed directly behind the locomotive? "Express" cars were sometimes fitted with steam lines, and some railroads used "B" units converted to "heater cars" but it was rare. Thanks in advance for all replies... MCF

[passengerfan]

Many of the older cars used in mixed train service had a coal or oil fired stove at one end in some cases both ends. Several of the combines used in mixed train service had a small train heat boiler with water tank nearby producing enough steam heat for the car. The more modern cars used in mixed train service had baker heaters in some cases. yet others were conventional steam heated cars and ran next to a boiler equipped diesel with the freight cars trailing.

[Anonymous]

Union Pacific's mixed trains 345 and 346 between Wallula and Walla Walla carried combination coach-tourist sleeping cars switched off of main line Portland-Spokane trains at Wallula. I don't know when they discontinued them but they're in the 1938 timetable. Maybe they carried the freight cars through in one direction while the passengers were sleeping and then did all the set-outs and pick-ups in the opposite direction as an ordinary local freight.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The older cars used in mixed-train service were generally self-contained in the matter of heat and light. Some were little more than stretched cabooses.

Mainline mixed trains such as UP 117-118 placed the passenger cars at the front of the train and included a steam-generator equipped locomotive in the consist to provide heat.

[Anonymous]

I was wondering, how many mixed trains did Union Pacific Operate, in addition to 117/118 and 345/346. When did the last one's dissapear, I read in one book that 117/118 lasted up until A-Day, May 1, 1971. Did any of them ever include Sleepers? I wished Mixed Trains could make a comeback. Especially for truckers and the high Diesel Prices that they are going to be paying.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

One may reasonably argue that the Chicago-Philadelphia "Pennsylvanian" of a few years back would qualify as a mixed train.

Since Amtrak is restricted by law to carrying passengers and certain other operations that were historically part of passenger service (mail and express), mixed trains will not re-appear unless the Rail Passenger Service Act is amended and/or the freight railroads agree to allow Amtrak to handle certain freight, perhaps under a haulage or car-handling contract.