2.1.12 Mixed train operations

Prototype Information

A mixed train or mixed consist is a train that contains both passenger and freight cars. Although common in the early days of railways, by the 20th century they were largely confined to branch lines with little traffic. These were freight trains, that rarely had more than one passenger car, and sometimes ran with a combined passenger, mail and baggage car. Typically, service was slower, because mixed trains usually involved the switching of rolling stock at stops along the way.

 

Here is a photograph of a NP mixed freight at Centralia Wa in the early 1950's.

There are several rules regarding mixed train operations. 

• Freight equipment must be handled ahead of passenger equipment in a mixed train. (Presumably, this is so bad things don’t happen in the event of a collision, such as having a load of lumber come flying through the back wall of the passenger car.)
• There must be a buffer car between the locomotive and the first coach carrying passengers. In a mixed train, a combine is considered as a buffer car providing the baggage/express end is next to the locomotive. (This would explain why, in many photos of the mixed train – but not all – the passenger-carrying end of the combine is coupled to a baggage-mail car or full baggage car.)
• In mixed trains, one or more cars must be handled between passenger equipment and any car carrying oil or gasoline.

The WWSL

The WWSL ran mixed trains beginning on its creation in 1932. Two or three surplus cabooses were handled behind the freight equipment for passenger service.. 

The Station Agent will identify the need for mixed train operations. The agent will coordinate the mixed train movement with the Dispatcher, by using the appropriate Train Information Card.