Re: Train Time At Baker On The SVRy

Since SP used train number boards, all their road engines were typically equipped, though the N&C/SPng apparently didn't bother except for diesel 1.

Shortlines running over the SP typically were also required to be equipped - Coos Bay Lumber for example.

It is odd that SP would require Tonopah to display their train number, while their own narrow gage trains did not.

For those not familiar - SP, earlier UP and some other railroads required their trains to display their number. For instance, "452" would indicate train 452 on the timetable schedule, regardless of engine number assigned. "2-367" would indicate they were the second section of regular train 367. If you saw green flags or class lights too, it meant there was a third or perhaps more sections still to follow. ”X-5103” meant it was an extra train with engine 5103 and would also be displaying white flags or class lights. If there was a point helper, it might even be displaying the extra number of the road engine. In the diesel era, they would try and use the lead unit as the extra number, but it could be anywhere in the consist.

Under timetable and train order operation, a train had to be sure of the identity of any superior trains it was meeting or might pass. On a small railroad, the same engines and crew were typically assigned to the same regular train, so unless you saw them displaying white or green signals you probably had a pretty good idea who they were. On some railroads, train orders would identify trains by both schedule number and engine number, others just by schedule number regardless of assigned engine.