Mixed trains commonly used a downgraded mainline combine or coach in place of a caboose at the rear of the train. This provided comfortable seating and rest rooms for a few passengers and the train crew. It also served as the conductor's office. If an old combine was available, its baggage area was used to haul small express shipments and company supplies. In cases where older passenger equipment wasn't available, some railroads had special cabooses fitted with extra seats for passengers. Passengers generally boarded or exited the coach at station platforms. With short trains, the usual procedure was to spot the train so the coach was left at, or near, the depot while the crew worked the local industries from the head end. Longer mixed trains usually pulled the coach up to the depot, dropped off the passengers, and then backed up far enough to clear the area they needed to do their switching work. Before leaving town, one of the crew would check the depot. If passengers were waiting, the train would pull ahead and stop for them before leaving. Maintaining a schedule was difficult due to the switching these trains did. Potential riders had to contact the local station agent to find out when the train was expected. A crew could easily spend all day on a 30-mile branch if they had a lot of work to do, or they might be done by noon on a light traffic day. This also meant that any passengers riding on the train had to be patient as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment