So how does a mixed train operate?
The way I understand it, mixed trains come into being after railroads realized that passenger revenues were not covering the full expense of operating the route. That's why they got mail contracts, and other "through" freight (express) tagged on, or rather the passengers got added to the express - but these were still run as "passenger" trains for the most part.
But in the case of the branchline, a passenger car would often be hitched on the back end of what amounts to a way freight.
So how did this operate? Was the passenger car set out at the station while the engine switched the local industries? Did the passengers just have to "hang on" and endure the switching? Or were they left out of the way, down the line somewhere until the engine returned to pull them into the station?
Any information or insights appreciated!
Andrew
The way I understand it, mixed trains come into being after railroads realized that passenger revenues were not covering the full expense of operating the route. That's why they got mail contracts, and other "through" freight (express) tagged on, or rather the passengers got added to the express - but these were still run as "passenger" trains for the most part.
But in the case of the branchline, a passenger car would often be hitched on the back end of what amounts to a way freight.
So how did this operate? Was the passenger car set out at the station while the engine switched the local industries? Did the passengers just have to "hang on" and endure the switching? Or were they left out of the way, down the line somewhere until the engine returned to pull them into the station?
Any information or insights appreciated!
Andrew