SP Overnights: Coast Line operations in the 1950s

[Brian M]

Hello , Jim.

From Signor's "Southern Pacific's Coast Line", page 150: "The cars were painted entirely black with the usual SP medallion... and the word "Overnight" on the arrow... the Coast Merchandise trains were blocked in reverse of standard freight trains, which had the first and subsequent setouts blocked behind the engine.  the CM trains were blocked with the first setouts ahead of the caboose because the road engine was not cut off on the entire 471 mile run.  All switching en route was performed by waiting switch engines which worked from the rear end of the trains". 

It therefore seems clear, from John Signor, that en-route switching DID happen.

Brian 

 

[jimrice4449]

I seriously doubt that #373/374 did any en route switching in the steam era.   I know that it didn't in the TOFC era (when I worked for the SP)

[Brian M]

I'd be very grateful for any information on operations specifically with the designated all-black boxcars.  I have learned that the Overnight was apparently switched from the caboose end of the train during its run in both directions. I originally thought that it was a straight-through train between San Francisco and Los Angeles with no intermediary stops, drop-offs or pick-ups, but it seems that this did happen.

If true, can anyone tell me how this was done - did the train get added to on the journey (and cars dropped off)?  Where, and how many at each station?  Whilst the train size was no doubt quite long at times, Thompson & Signor's "Southern Pacific's Coast Line Pictorial" shows a 12-boxcar train, with rider coach and caboose behind MT 4362 on page 285. A good example of a short main-line train with big power.

Thanks in advance of any replies.

Brian M