Rambling and overlong; however, a fascinating look at the SP's passenger trains between Houston and Dallas. In 1954 on a return home from El Paso to Houston, SP number 2 "Sunset Limited" was diverted over the T & P between El Paso and Dallas. We crossed the northbound "Sunbeam" somewhere near College Station. By that time the train had lost its' observation car.
Thanks, TH, for another well researched rail history fix. Your points about through sleepers and coaches got me to thinking how back in those days so many interline services were offered and advertised, especially in the mid-west where railroads were far from the lengths of say the Santa Fe or the Great Northern. Mid sized and smaller cities had decent travel options to other somewhat remote destinations. Sadly, today, getting to most of those places means buying something from the Honda or Chevy dealer first. Looking forward to your next offering. Cheers!
Get your facts correct! The "Owl" was the last of the SP trains between Houston and Dallas to be cancelled. The "Hustler" was to first to go, followed by the "Sunbeam".
Rambling and overlong; however, a fascinating look at the SP's passenger trains between Houston and Dallas. In 1954 on a return home from El Paso to Houston, SP number 2 "Sunset Limited" was diverted over the T & P between El Paso and Dallas. We crossed the northbound "Sunbeam" somewhere near College Station. By that time the train had lost its' observation car.
I love the streamliner. What a beauty.
Thanks, TH, for another well researched rail history fix. Your points about through sleepers and coaches got me to thinking how back in those days so many interline services were offered and advertised, especially in the mid-west where railroads were far from the lengths of say the Santa Fe or the Great Northern. Mid sized and smaller cities had decent travel options to other somewhat remote destinations. Sadly, today, getting to most of those places means buying something from the Honda or Chevy dealer first. Looking forward to your next offering. Cheers!
Some of it was a mess, but I'd want more trains.
Owl was discontinued in 1958. As I recall.
Get your facts correct! The "Owl" was the last of the SP trains between Houston and Dallas to be cancelled. The "Hustler" was to first to go, followed by the "Sunbeam".
Lived in Houston for 4 years and outside of Union Station ballpark, not much railroad history is shown outside of the city flag.
The video coming out in a month talks about that.