Southern Pacific Lines

Coast Line Division 

“The Route of the Octopus”

 
 

General Information

Purpose

  1. Generally speaking, when the Super needed to go somewhere on his division, he took a whole entourage of division officers (Asst Div Super, Div Engineer, Road Foreign of Engines, Roadmaster of the district, and Trainmaster for that district in the business car. Occasionally they would invite a Traffic officer.)

  2. Paul C. Koehler


  4. A lot of times the Super would have his car sent to someplace on the division with the crew only and he would travel by auto and use the business car while on spot to entertain customers and city officials for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. On those trips the car usually traveled just behind the power so that the crew could set it out at the desired station.

  5. Paul C. Koehler


Car Placement

  1. That placement within a consist was often at the discretion of the officer "in charge." Most officers preferred to be at the rear end with an unobstructed view to the rear. Some have been tossed out of there bed and others tossed down the isle while sitting at the dining table as a result of slack action.

  2. Paul C. Koehler


  1. When occupied the car was always placed on the extreme rear end. A 20 car mail train would have been nothing in slack action compared to being on the rear of 375 with 95 cars which were a mix of box and pig flats. I got tossed out of bed as the slack ran in when we crested the hill at Vincent. A lot of times the Super would have his car sent to someplace on the division with the crew only and he would travel by auto and use the business car while on spot to entertain customers and city officials for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. On those trips the car usually traveled just behind the power so that the crew could set it out at the desired station.

  2. Paul C. Koehler


  4. A Division Superintendent wanting his car tacked onto the end of a train with twenty or so cars not having tightlock couplers is Not likely.


  6. There are a number of photos out there of SP business cars coupled as the last car on a passenger train.

  7. Tony Thompson


  9. Having traveled all over the SP system in Business cars on both Freight and Passenger trains, the Business car when occupied by officers was placed at the extreme rear end of train (behind the caboose). If just deadheading the crew, it would be placed just ahead of the caboose or just behind the power.

  10. Paul C. Koehler


  12. Harold Demmon (who was the B&B supervisor on the Western Division), insisted that his car (SP 109) be entrained just behind the power so as to avoid unpleasant slack action.


  14. A couple photos exist in publications showing business cars behind the parlor-observation car on the Coast Daylight.

  15. - Wayner's book on Southern Pacific cars shows the Del Monte on the rear of 99 behind the parlor-observation car.

  16. - In Ryan/Shine's volume 2 of Southern Pacific Day Trains on the Coast, Pg 349, shows a business car behind the parlor-observation.

  17. - On the Shasta Daylight, pg 272 of the above mentioned book, the Airslie trails the parlor observation.


  19. Not often, but it did happen

  20. Wesley Fox


  22. While the Daylight was still the signature train it would be very unlikely that a business car (even something as nice as the Sunset) would not be found hanging off the rear end. 51 & 52 were probably the most common route between the northern and southern parts of the state.

  23. Pat LaTorres


  25. I have seen the Los Angeles with Mr. Long on the rear of 71 on many occasions.

  26. Paul C. Koehler

  27. ._,_.___

  28. A photo caption on one of the photo pages between page 208 and page 209 of S. Kip Farrington's 1951 "Railroading the Modern Way" states:

  29. "S.P officials ride their freight trains. Second 632 Oakland-Portland Fast Freight arriving at Crescent Lake with business car on head end. Shasta Division."


Car Naming

  1. SP kept the car NAMES assigned as appropriate for their division and other assignments, but the physical CARS were changed from time to time for shopping, upgrading, or other rotation reasons. In other words, the currently-assigned car was given the name that went with the assignment, not with the car itself. So most official car names were carried at different times by different physical cars. There is no confusion in the system, but looking at the history and naming of an individual car body, it can LOOK pretty confusing.

  2. Tony Thompson


  4. Be aware that as with almost all SP business cars, it was NOT necessarily the same car all the time, even if the name and/or number was the same. A car needing upgrading would be brought into the shop, and some other car designated for use of that division, to take its place, and given that division's traditional car name, such as "Coast." When the upgrade was complete, that car might then play the replacement role on some other division. A volume in the SPH&TS series on passenger cars will cover the business cars, and will attempt to clarify the sometimes bewildering reassignments and renaming of these cars over the years.

  5. Tony Thompson


Assignments

  1. Cars assigned to the Coast and LA Divisions(*see Trainline #42)


Paint

Lark Business Car Underbody

  1. The underbody of the Business cars painted when the car was painted TTG, the underbody was painted black.When painted SSS, the underbody was usually dark gray; except for the times when they were black or aluminum. There’s a shot of a business car with aluminum color trucks and a gray underbody!


References

  1. The SPH&TS will (eventually) have an Official Car volume  6 (volume 6 of the series) covering all cars in the official car number series (SP99-SP 299). Look for it in 2013.

  2. Ken


  1.                                                                                            SP Passenger Trains Vol.2 Day Trains of the Coast Line - Ryan and Shine

  2.                                                                                            Southern Pacific Review 1978-79

  3.                                                                                            Trainline issue No.20

  4.                                                                                            SP Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment Volume 3 - James Kinkaid.

  5.                                                                         http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssave/7402378944/in/set-72157630134853522

  6.                                                                         http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html



Specific Business Cars

#99 “Official” Business Car

  1. Also named “Houston”.

Reference

  1. Photos are on Richard Percy's Espee site:    http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html

Modeling #99 "Official" Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. The Coach Yard version of the SP #99 can be used for the 1980’s era.

Paint

  1. This model of the Official #99 is silver and red stripe with black outline.


#100 “Airslie” Business Car

  1. The third of three magnificent business cars ordered in the 1920's from Pullman which were the acme of the then car builders art. #100 Airslie was delivered 5/29/1926 at a cost of $81,592.03 (lots of money for 1926) and assigned to the Board Chairman Henry Wheeler DeForrest (with offices in New York). The car was regularly stationed on the private car tracks of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York while the Board Chairman's offices were in that city. DeForrest had the car named for his family's hunting lodge in Scotland, "Airslie".

  2. Bob Pecotich

Paint


Reference

  1. Photos are on Richard Percy's Espee site:    http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html

Modeling #100 "Airslie" Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. The Coach Yard version of the SP #100 can be used for the 1980’s era.

Details

Wheels

    Upgrade with Intermountain 36" roller bearing wheelsets. 

Paint

  1. This model of the Airslie #100 is silver and red stripe with black outline.


#101 “Rio Grande” Business Car

  1. The Pullman 1926-built Pelham became the (Tucson Div.) SP division superintendent's car/business car Rio Grande, SP number 101, after SP's purchase of the car and rebuild in the 1950s. It ultimately went into SPMW service as a boarding car in the late 1950s.

  2. Bob Pecotich


#102 "Tucson" Business Car

  1. This car was numbered 102 in the Pacific line series. Used by the Supt. Tucson Div.


  3. Built as Pullman chair car in 1911 for EP&SW #283, sold to SP in 1928 then to T&NO converted to business car 980 and renumbered 132 and named Lafayette, renamed Houston in 1946, renamed Victoria in 1952 and San Jacinto in 1953 back to Houston in 1957 vacated 1972. Donated to the Sparks Nevada Heritage Museum.


  5. This car was apparently renamed San Jacinto 11/21/55.


  7. Its sister car carried that name in 1953.

Reference

  1. Info on sister car is as follows according to http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html, ESPEE MODELERS ARCHIVE


#103 "Los Angeles" Business Car

  1. It was a Steel Und, Stl Sheathed, 72’6”, 1004 Waukesha6-wheelWEG

  2. Used by the Supt. L.A. Div.


  4. Victoria T&NO 995 is the 5th Victoria and is the ex SP 103, Los Angeles.

  5. Jeff Cauthen


#104 San Jose Business Car

  1. The window arrangement and roof treatment bears a striking resemblance to car #151. Used by Gen. Supt. Motive Dept. & Asst. Gen. Supt. M.P.

Reference

  1. A photo of this car of the other side can be found at Jim Lancaster's webpage.


#106 “Oregon” Business Car

  1. Was at one time named Shasta with same number.  The "Oregon" is a traditional, heavyweight business car, built in 1926 by Pullman Standard. Aesthetically, it does not possess the beautiful imported wood interior found in the Oakland.  Fluorescent lighting was installed as part of the electrical upgrade. The kitchen is constructed of modern stainless steel with an electric stove and oven.


  3. Completely rehabbed in the early 1980s, the car is fully HEPed. The trucks are the old style, six-wheel trucks with swing hangers and gouged equalizers. The draft gears also require attention. The trucks were given a 40-year rebuild in 1990 and a new 60kW Detroit diesel generator was placed under the car in 1996. The 106 was Amtrak compatible until 1995 and may need only the truck repairs to be so again.


#106 “Shasta” Business Car

  1. This car was at one time named Oregon with same number.

  2. It was used by the Supt. Shasta Div.

  3. It was 75’ long. All Steel construction It hadWaukesha6-wheelWEG

Paint

  1. It was originally painted SP dark olive green.


#107 “Del Monte” Business Car

  1. Used by the V.P. of Operations. This car became the Private Car San Marino.

  2. Anthony Pinkerton


  1. It was the steel SP 107, second Del Monte. Henry Huntington ordered the 2nd new car on Lot 4399 to Plan 2926, which was delivered in September 1916. It was recorded on film by Pullman on Negative 20245 and dated September 20, 1916. This car was also lettered for the San Joaquin & Eastern Railroad and named San Marino. This car was eventually acquired by the Southern Pacific. Around 1923/1924 Huntington had his second private car, San Marino, re-lettered for the Southern Pacific and became SP 107, Del Monte. No one knows what happened to the first San Marino.

  2. Jeff Cauthen


#108 “Salt Lake” Business Car

  1. It was a heavyweight observation with 6 wheel trucks and was 69ft long. It was rebuilt from an EP&SW coach. Used by the Supt. Salt Lake Div. It was air conditioned at Sacramento Shops, c.1952, with a Waukesha system. At one time it was in SPMW service.

Reference

  1. Trainline No.73 (Pg.24) includes a photo of SP 108 "Salt Lake".


#109 "Coast" Business Car

  1. The Coast was assigned to the Coast Division Superintendent.


  3. It should be noted that the Coast was an old wood car that was a rotting piece of junk by 1955.

  4. Jeff Cauthen


  6. Be aware that the car "Coast" (as with almost all SP business cars) was NOT necessarily the same car all the time, even if the name and/or number was the same. A car needing upgrading would be brought into the shop, and some other car designated for use of that division, to take its place, and given that division's traditional car name, such as "Coast." When the upgrade was complete, that car might then play the replacement role on some other division. A volume in the SPH&TS series on passenger cars will cover the business cars, and will attempt to clarify the sometimes bewildering reassignments and renaming of these cars over the years.

  7. Tony Thompson

Train Connections

  1. For a Division Supt. traveling to inspect a portion of the Coast Division, trains #71 & 72 would be the logical trains. It's much more likely that this car would have tagged onto either the Lark, or one of the Daylights. Keep in mind that these cars weren't hooked up just for a "joy ride". These were BUSINESS Cars and used as such.

  2. Pat LaTorres


  4. It is quite possible that Mr. Jordan would have had it placed on the rear of the Coast Mail. As long as Mr. Russell was in command no business or private cars were allowed on the rear of the Daylight, the Lark was OK. When Mr. Russell needed to go between the Bay Area and LA his car would be placed on the rear of 51/52.

  5. Paul C. Koehler


  7. Harold Demmon was the retired B&B boss to whom SP 109 was assigned. When forced to move in freight service, he always insisted that his car be placed at the head end of the consist, to avoid slack action. 71 and 72 at least from time to time carried cars that were not equipped for passenger train service, hence the slack action problem.

Paint

  1. It lasted long enough to receive the Simulated Stainless Steel paint scheme.

Reference

  1. A volume in the SPH&TS series on passenger cars will cover the business cars, and will attempt to clarify the sometimes bewildering reassignments and renaming of these cars over the years.

  2. Tony Thompson


#109 “Dallas” Business Car

  1. Business car SP 109, not an observation as such but a 60 foot (over end sills, 68 feet, 6 3/8 inches over pulling faces) observation-looking car. A class C60-8 coach built by Pullman in October 1916 as GH&SA 807, it and three similar cars were converted for business car use by T&NO Houston Shops in 1928. Named "Dallas" for use as a business car by that division's superintendent, it replaced a predecessor wood car of the same name. Transferred to the Pacific Lines in January 1941, it became "San Joaquin", that Pacific Lines division super's car, later (September 1941) becoming unnamed "109". Subsequently as "109", it was used as the bridge inspectors car, periodically touring all of the Pacific lines.


  3. After retirement, in the early 1960's, it became SPMW 162 and was assigned to the signal department. After maintenance of way service, it was sold to a private party.


#109 “Shasta” Business Car

  1. In 1927, a steel-sided, Harriman roofed car that was to become the final (4th) Shasta.

  2. Gary Ray


#110 "Los Angeles" Business Car

  1. Pullman 1925 built 10 section obs lounge. Converted to Business Car #110. Vacated and sold to FCP in mexico in 1977.


  1. Los Angeles 110 was painted in June 1956 after being converted from a Pullman 10 section lounge obs.

  2. Scott Inman


  4. I have seen the Los Angeles with Mr. Long on the rear of 71 on many occasions.

  5. Paul C. Koehler

Paint

  1. "Los Angeles" SP Business cars was painted 2 tone grey in June 1956.

  2. Repainted Simulated Stainless Steel in the 60's.


#112 Instruction Car

  1. 1930 built Pullman Lounge Obs. Bought by SP in 1950 and converted to Instruction Car also named just Instruction. Vacated in 1975 had 6 wheel trucks - 84ft long.


#113 Instruction Car

  1. Another 1930 built Pullman Lounge Obs. converted to an instruction car but was not named as such in the early 50's. Vacated late 70's.


#115 Instruction Car

  1. Originally it was SP #2928, a 1923 ACF baggage-smoker-combine (Baggage-Club Car), rebuilt to a lounge car for the Lark in 1936. #2928 was retired 1950, and converted (and lettered) to a "Lubrication Instruction" Car. Then converted to an Instruction and Conference Car in 1955. Vacated late 60's.

Lettering & Numbering

  1. Lettered to a "Lubrication Instruction" Car. Then renumbered to 115 and relettered "Instruction Car". It was lettered as a Conference Car sometime before 1965.


#117 “Tucson” Business Car

  1. 1926 Pullman built 3-2 obs named Louis Frontenac. It went o SP and converted to Business car 117 in 1957. Vacated and sold 1987.

Paint

  1. It was repainted to Simulated Stainless Steel with Scarlet letterboard, gray under body & trucks.


#119  "Coast" Business Car

  1. 6 wheel trucks, 76ft


  1. It was used by The Coast Division Supt. No.119 was used around the Coast Division, and sometimes traveled unannounced, usually placed at the rear of either passenger or freight trains.


  1. The business car in the 1955 picture on page 24 of Dill's book is wooden but modified with steel underframe and steel sheathing official car #119 named "Coast." It is listed in SP's Jan. 31, 1956 car roster as such too. It is shown as being 67' long over the sills with "floor plan" 1008.

  2. Mark

Paint

  1. It was a shiny green.

Reference

  1. Photo(s) appears in James Kinkaid's                     SP Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment Volume 3.


#120 “San Joaquin” Business Car

  1. Pullman Heavyweight Observation San Marcial, number SP 8501 assigned, never applied; Rebuilt to Business Car San Joaquin SP 120, 5/51. Used by the San Joaquin Div. Supt.

  2. Jeff Cauthen


#121  “Western” Business Car

  1. 80' / Clerestory style  Pullman built new for the Chicago, Indianapolis and Indiana Railway in 1903.

  2. It became Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) business car #121, "Western". Used by the Western Div. Supt.

  3. Presented to City of Oakland for display at Harrison Park; Acquired by PLA, July 1990; Undergoing restoration, Brightside, CA.

  4. Joe Mann


#122  “Coast” Business Car

  1. It was formally a Pullman bedroom, sun lounge observation. It was rebuilt from Mission Dolores.

#125 "Coast" Business Car

  1. There was an S.P. steel private car that was named the "COAST 125" in 1959. This car that started out as a chair car built by Pullman in 1911 for the EP&SW 782. It was then converted to business car Beaumont T&NO 981, 5/31/29.

  2.       Renamed San Antonio at Houston 8/27/46.

Rebuilt with Waukesha air conditioning system ca. 1951-55 .

Renamed San Jacinto 11/21/55.

Name dropped, became 981, and sold to SP 12/22/58

Renamed/numbered San Antonio 125 4/10/59

Renamed Coast 125 1959, also known as SP 125

Became SPMW 5451 at Sacramento 3/9/61, at which time had a sliding door installed at the kitchen end of the car for vertical        

         fuel tanks, and servant quarters were removed. The sister car is the Houston/Sparks at the Heritage museum in Reno NV.

    Karl H. Reichhold

Paint

  1. Dark Olive Green

Lettering & Numbering

  1. It came with Gold Leaf lettering when new. After around 1936 it changed to Imitation Gold lettering.

  2. Jeff Cauthen



#127 “Alamo” Business Car

  1. Alamo GH&SA (999) June 1926

  2. Alamo T&NO (999) 6/1931-to sometime after June 1932, when monthly ORER passenger car rosters became irregular

  3. 999 T&NO March 1943

  4. Alamo {"old 999"} (127) Penciled in on a on 7/21/1960 T&NO roster

  5. Recommended for retirement as Alamo 127 November 24,1975

  6. Worn out-sold March 1982

  7. Off roster June 7,1982

  8. Bob Pecotich


  10. The car was purchased by a local retired politician and moved to his private residence in Houston. It sits in his backyard today as it has since SP stopped running it. It is cosmetically the same as when it was used by SP, including the furniture and pictures.

  11. Bryan Sanderford

Reference

  1. See Jim Lancaster's webpage for photos and info.


#128 “Santa Rosa” Business Car

  1. It had 6 wheel trucks and was 83ft. long. Used by the Gen. Manager.


#129 “Portland” Business Car

  1. Steel Und, Stl Sheathed72’4”1033Waukesha6-wheelWEG lighting

  2. It was the ex-EPSW 129. It was built in 1904. It was used by the Supt. Portland Div. It became SPMW 5455, original T&NO 997 Houston.


#131 "Los Angeles" Business Car

  1. Built as Pullman 3-2 lounge obs. Balboa in 1927, was sold to SP in 1954 for NWP business car service, rebuilt and renamed NWP 1 Redwood, then transferred to the Western Division in 1959 to become the Superintendent's car, numbered 131 and renamed Western, transferred to the Sacramento Division early 60's to become the Superintendent's car and named Sacramento. At some point after that it was renamed Los Angeles with the same number.


  1. Mr. Long would be seen on the rear of 71 on many occasions.

  2. Paul C. Koehler

Paint

  1. "Los Angeles " #131 SP Business cars was not painted 2 tone grey in the Lark Grey scheme.

  2. Scott Inman

Modeling #131 “Los Angeles" Business Car

Precision Scale Models



#131 "Sacramento" Business Car

  1. This car had an interesting history, per Richard Percy’s Espee Modeler’s Archive:


  3. Built as Pullman 3-2 lounge obs. Balboa in 1927, was sold to SP in 1954 for NWP business car service, rebuilt and renamed NWP 1 Redwood, then transferred to the Western Division in 1959 to become the Superintendent's car, numbered 131 and renamed Western, transferred to the Sacramento Division early 60's to become the Superintendent's car and named Sacramento. At some point after that it was renamed Los Angeles with the same number.


  5. SP #131 still exists as a Private Car with its own website for more details:

  6.                                                           http://www.movie-trains.com/losangeles.html

  7.                                                           https://web.archive.org/web/20140502050530/http://www.movie-trains.com/losangeles.html


  9. Photo(s) appears in James Kinkaid's SP Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment Volume 3.

  10. Tom Cockle




#132 “Cloudcroft” Business Car

  1. The Jan'27 ORER lists the EPSW (SP) 132, ex 506 as the "Cloudcroft".

  2. Bill Kelly


#132 “Houston” Business Car

  1. Built as Pullman chair car in 1911 for EP&SW #283 (Lot 3873, 66 chairs, class 70-CC; 70 feet over end sills 78 feet, 2 inches over 

  2.       platforms).

  3. Sold to SP in 1928 then to T&NO converted to business car #980 at Houston Shops in April 1929.

  4. Renumbered 132 and named Lafayette.

  5. Renamed Houston in 1946.

  6. Renamed Victoria in 1952.

  7. Renamed San Jacinto in 1953. It was Waukesha air conditioned, given a new interior layout and received thermo pane windows     

  8.       prior to 1957.

  9. Back to Houston in 1957. Painted in two-tone gray, on December 23, 1957.

  10. Vacated 1972. Donated to the Sparks Nevada Heritage Museum sometime after 1968.


#133 Business Car

  1. EPSW (SP) 133 is listed as ex 507 with no name.

  2. Bill Kelly


#133 “Guadelupe” Business Car

  1. Built in May of 1912 by the Pullman Company as a business car for the Southern Pacific Railroad and named Guadalupe. Rebuilt by the SP several times and modernized with Air Conditioning. The car floor plan consists of an observation lounge, 1 compartment, 2 master rooms, 1 secretaries room, dining room, crew room, pantry and kitchen.

  2. Chris Coscia

Paint

  1. It was painted two-tone gray.

Reference

  1. See Jim Lancaster's webpage for photos and info.


#134 “Santa Barbara” Business Car

  1. In the Feb '29 ORER it is listed as CP 134 "Santa Barbara". CP 134 was an "Employes Better Health Car" in the '30s ORERs. In some later notes it is listed as "Medical" and construction is 'steel underframe, steel sheathed'. Notes from 1956 SP documentation calls it an 81' car blt in 1899 by Barney and Smith, Former 3074 (a CP Buffet), changed to 102 (1926), changed to 134 (1928).

  2. Bill Kelly


#135 Medical Exam

  1. Used by the Hospital Dept.


#136 “The Life Line” Blood Donor Car

  1. It was converted from Steel Observation car SP 2903, the conversion date appears to be 20th Nov. 1951. Used by the Hospital Dept.


#137 Dynamometer Car

  1. Used by the Motive Power Dept.  (Originally SP#2900, a 60-C-4 ? )

Paint

  1. It was initially painted SP Olive Green with a black roof and was repainted in two-tone gray mid 1957 and solid gray late 1961.

Lettering & Numbering

  1. Dulux Gold lettering

References

  1. Trainline No. 64 Summer 2000, pages 15-22 (floorplan)

  2. Southern Pacific Passenger Cars Volume.1 Coaches and Chair Cars - by The Southern Pacific Historical & Technical Society

  3. Southern Pacific Passenger Cars Volume.2 Sleepers and Baggage-Dorms

Drawings

  1. Model Railroader July 1944 - article with scale plans (prototype dimensions)

Modeling #137 Dynamometer Car

Custom Brass

    They imported a Nickel Plate model similar to the SP #137.

Walthers

    Walthers #932-4650 Undecorated model, was also released painted for SP.


#138 Crew Sleeper

  1. For use with #137. It was converted in 1968 at Oakland Shops from Pullman SP #9110 ex Golden Mission ex #211 built 1942 for use on the Golden State.

Paint

  1. It received SP Lark Dark Gray paint on its conversion to Crew Car.

Modeling #138 Crew Sleeper Car

Union Station

  1. Use the Union Station 4069H Laser-cut styrene sides to fit a Train Station Products P-S Car core kit. It will require other parts and trucks/couplers to complete.


#139 “Sacramento” Business Car

  1. Pullman, Aug. 1923, (SP Class 60-C as a coach) (Lot #4694) 60' / Clerestory style / 60 tons

  2. Built new as El Paso and Southwestern (EP&SW) coach #730.

  3. Transferred to Pacific Lines in 1924 as coach #1057.

  4. Rebuilt as open-platform observation business car in Jan. 1929

  5. Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) #139, "Sacramento"

  6. Business car for the Superintendent of the Sacramento Division on the SP.

  7. Southern Pacific (SP) #MW 5441.

  8. Joe Mann

Modeling #139 “Sacramento" Business Car

Precision Scale Models



#140 "Stanford" Business Car

  1. The third of three magnificent business cars ordered in the 1920's from Pullman. #140 was for SP President Paul Shoup, SP 140 Sunset (delivered January 1928, became SP 140 Stanford 11/15/1955) first named to follow the tradition for the name Sunset to be that of the car assigned to the SP President.

  2. Bob Pecotich

Paint

  1. Stanford #140 was painted two tone gray 12/20/56.

  2. Scott Inman

Reference

  1. Photos are on Richard Percy's Espee site:    http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html

Modeling #140 "Stanford" Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. The Coach Yard version of the SP #140 can be used for the 1980’s era.

Paint

  1. This model of the Stanford 140 is silver and red stripe with black outline.

Precision Scale Models

  1. The Precision Scale Models version of the SP #140 has a large "X" antenna on the roof, a radio antenna for communication with the System. It is crossed dipoles to give an omni-directional signal for radio communications.


  1. PSC is notorious for their terrible trucks and rolling capabilities. Strip this model's horrific factory paint job with sticker decals, Drill out all of the journals and rebuild them on a flat plane so all of the wheels track evenly and level with the railhead. This was another challenge, but necessary since these models are intended to operate. Features custom tube diaphragms. This car is upgraded with Intermountain 36" roller bearing wheelsets.

  2. Scott Inman



#141 “Oakland” Business Car

  1. The "Oakland" is a traditional, wood-paneled pre-1930s car. Propane-operated. Six-wheel, high-speed trucks are included. This car was unassigned.

Paint

  1. Simulated Stainless Steel

Reference

  1. Photos are on Richard Percy's Espee site:    http://espee.railfan.net/sp-business-cars.html

Modeling #140 "Stanford" Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. The Coach Yard version of the SP #141 can be used for the 1980’s era.

Paint

  1. This model of the Oakland #141 is silver and red stripe with black outline.


#142 “Santa Barbara” Business Car

  1. Former EP&SW car built in 1914. Used by the Chief Engineer, Engr. M of W & S.


  1. The car that carried the Santa Barbara name has been restored by the Fillmore & Western, under contract to the city of Santa Barbara, and was placed back on display this weekend by the station in Santa Barbara.

                                                                        http://s726.photobucket.com/albums/ww264/amtksba/


#143 “Sierra Nevada” Business Car

  1. Former EP&SW car built in 1914. Used by the Asst. Gen. Manager.

Reference

  1. See Jim Lancaster's webpage for photos and info.


#144 Diesel Instruction Car

  1. Built in 1911 on 6 wheel trucks, 81' 10" coupled length. Original number unknown. Conversion date around 1950.  Used by the Motive Dept.


#145 Instruction Car

  1. It was air-conditioned, 6 wheel trucks, 80ft. Used by the Motive Dept.


#146 Instruction Car

  1. Safety. no further info except; 4 wheel trucks, 60ft. Used on the Western Div.


#147 Safety Instruction Car

  1. Converted from Gas Lighted N.A.C. Steel Coach SP 1982

  2. 67' 8?" coupled length on 4 wheel trucks. Conversion date around 1950.

  3. Used on the L.A., Tucson & Rio Grande Divisions


#150 “Sunset” Business Car

  1. Ordered for D.J Russell in 6/1854 and delivered in 11/1955. P-S was instructed to build an Office Car of "ultimate distinction".

Reference

  1. Floor plan and elevation of this car as well as 20 pages of photos can be found in the book : "The Official Pullman-Standard Library Volume 6 Postwar Cars".

Modeling #150 "Sunset" Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. The SP #150 model has a large "X" antenna on the roof, a radio antenna for communication with the System. It is crossed dipoles to give an omni-directional signal for radio communications. Came with special Champ Decals.

  2. Gayle Burrage

Kato

  1. Kato makes the #35-6006 Southern Pacific- Business car Sunset SP150 model.

Electrical

Kato

  1. Use Kato #7-501 interior lighting kits for the car.


#151 “Pine Bluff” Business Car

  1. The Pine Bluff was the San Jose (SP104) as first named when rebuilt to an office car in the 1920's. She started out as an El Paso and South Western Coach built in 1914 by Pullman.

  2. Ray Eiser


#215 Instruction Car

  1. 1946 built Pullman-standard Golden State lounge car #2984 named Golden View, transferred and converted to Conference Car numbered 205.

Lettering & Numbering

  1. By 1972 had been renumbered 215 and renamed Instruction Car.


#216 Instruction Car

  1. Built for City of San Francisco same as #215 above numbered 2986, to business car service in 1971 as number 206 no name assigned.

Lettering & Numbering

  1. Renumbered 216 and renamed Instruction Car by 1975.


#221 Instruction Car


#250 Police Passenger Car

  1. SP #3104, a Budd-built baggage-crew dormitory car for the Sunset Limited. The car was involved in a derailment on the Cascade in Jan, 1971 and was withdrawn from service and never sold to Amtrak. The SP first used it briefly as a test car SP 250 in the mid seventies until they acquired the California Zephyr sleeper and called it SP 251. In the 1980s, the SP installed bay windows of sort and spot lights on the side for special agents to watch carloads of autos ahead.


#251 Instrument Car

  1. When Amtrak took over the remainder of SP passenger service in 1971, SP retained several Budd-built  "Sunset" cars for entertainment of shippers and other special uses. Lot 9660-040 10 Roomette, 6 Double Bedroom sleepers SP 9007 (became Instrument Car SP 251 in 1977). Built as 10 Roomette, 6 Double-bedroom (10-6) Sleepers (Pullman plan 9522, diagram 214)

  2. Bob Pecotich


  4. Builder    Budd 4/7/50

  5. Trucks    4-TD-1

  6. Berths    22

  7. AC.


#252 Research and Test Car

  1. Originally a Budd Sleeper built 1948.  Ex Western Pacific #862 California Zephyr Silver Canyon.  Converted to an Instrument Car (basically to replace Dynamometer Car 137).


  3. Formerly named the "Silver Canyon", WP No. 862, it was converted in 1978 from an 8/10 sleeper, to an instrument car, with sleeping space for eight. The exterior is fluted stainless steel.


#289 “City of Angels” Business Car

  1. 1949 Pullman built class 83-L-1 was at one time numbered 206 and 216 see above. Rebuilt by SP employees for the 1984 Olympic Games and renumbered 289 as well as named City Of Angels. Later it lost its name.


  3. The 289 was just another lounge car to entertain customers, like the 291 ( the Sunset lounge). They would be added to business car trains if sales wants to meet a large group of customers or operating officers want to meet shippers along the way. Basically you have drinks in the 289 or 291 and then go into the 290 which was the Sunset diner for a nice meal and then go back for more drinks and talk afterwards in the lounges, perhaps see a video or hear the sales/ marketing people pitch whatever latest service they're offering. They are not business cars in the sense what the Stanford or Sunset are, just support cars to entertain with.

  4. Wesley Fox

Paint

  1. Painted red, white and blue for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

  2. Later repainted in Daylight colors and lost its name.


#290 (Daylight) Business Car

  1. It was built by Budd in 1950 for service on the Sunset Limited. When Amtrak took over the remainder of SP passenger service in 1971, SP retained several Budd-built "Sunset" cars for entertainment of shippers and other special uses. Class 83D-3 Audubon diner SP 10214 from Lot 9624-040 (became SP 290 in 1974). It was also a Company service car.

  2. It finally became part of the California State Railroad Museum collection in May 1998.

  3. Bob Pecotich

Paint

  1. It was painted in Daylight paint in 1989.


#291 (Daylight) Business Car

  1. When Amtrak took over the remainder of SP passenger service in 1971, SP retained several Budd-built "Sunset" cars for entertainment of shippers and other special uses. Class 83L-2 French Quarter lounge car SP 2987 from Lot 9629-040 (became SP 291 in 1974). Became part of the California State Railroad Museum collection in May 1998.

  2. Bob Pecotich


#292 (Daylight) Business Car

  1. Number  SP #9009

  2. A classic 1950s 10/6 sleeper from the "Sunset Limited", this car has been used as a dormitory for lounge and dining car crews.


  4. When Amtrak took over the remainder of SP passenger service in 1971, SP retained several Budd-built "Sunset" cars for entertainment of shippers and other special uses. Lot 9660-040 10 Roomette, 6 Double Bedroom sleepers SP 9009 (became SP 292 in 1975). Built as 10 Roomette, 6 Double-bedroom (10-6) Sleepers (Pullman plan 9522, diagram 214)

  5. Bob Pecotich


  7. Builder    Budd 4/13/50

  8. Trucks    4-TD-1

  9. Berths    22

  10. AC.


#293 Business Car

  1. It was a Shasta (tall window) type chair car (Pullman built).

  2. Jeff Cauthen


  4. A classic streamline 1950s long-distance coach with large windows. The seats have excellent leg room with superb luggage storage.

Paint

  1. Painted in Daylight scheme, circa 1989.

  2. Jeff Cauthen

1980s Business Fleet Scheme

  1. It was colored in Simulated Stainless Steel.

Lettering & Numbering

1980s Business Fleet Scheme

  1. Came with red letterboard outlined in black edging with lettering gray "Southern Pacific".

Modeling #293 Business Car

Coach Yard

  1. Customized from a Coach Yard 1954 48-Seat Chair Car.  Coach Yard imported this car with an incorrect riveted roof similar to the 1949 Aluminum Pullman cars delivered for the Shasta Daylight.  I painstakingly removed all of the rivets while leaving the AC hatch.  The #293 did not have a roof antenna in business train service, so this was removed and the holes sealed over. The diaphragms from Hi-Tech are accurate and flexible. This car is upgraded with Intermountain 36" roller bearing wheelsets.


#294 Business Car

  1. It was a 66-B-2 #6708, an economy baggage built in 1962. The car is presently at the GGRM in San Francisco. SP 294 was ex 6708, economy baggage, renumbered 7/73 per records.

  2. Joe Strapac


#295 Business Car

  1. The 295 is the sister car to the 298 baggage car. It was at one time set up as the fleet power car. It had an engine/generator, steam boiler, and water and fuel tanks.

Paint

  1. It was painted in Daylight scheme in 1989.


#298 Business Car

  1. The SP never owned the car.  It is privately owned by California Zephyr Railcar Charters (Costa Mesa, CA) and was leased to SP for some time. The ex-CZ (CB&Q) “Silver Lariat” car was used in consist with the diner, lounges, sleeper, etc., and only in special train service. The car provided storage for parts tools and fuel, as well as refrigeration of dining car items.

Paint

  1. It was never painted, just stainless steel.

Lettering & Numbering

  1. When it was it was used in the California Zephyr part it had the red stripe with Southern Pacific lettering.

  2. Chris Mains

Reference

  1. http://espee.railfan.net/nonindex/business-car_photos/xxxx_sp-business-car-silver-lariat-rob_sarberenyi.jpg


 
Southern Pacific Lines S.P. Business Cars
General Information -Purpose - Car Placement - Car Naming Assignments Paint References Specific Business Cars
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Photo courtesy of Brian Moore