PART 1 – SP PASSENGER TRAINS |
49
This operation upgraded the Hustler to a streamliner and freed up
the heavyweight equipment, resulting in a far more efficient use of
the expensive new lightweight cars.
On your model railroad, the morning local trains could pick up a
parlor car or drop express cars to run afternoon services.
By 1950, passenger loadings on the T&NO trains fell off drasti-
cally as new highways were completed. Travel by new airlines
quickly drained off the first class passengers, resulting in the
SP discontinuing most of their Texas services but leaving the
Sunbeam and Hustler.
The cars were refinished in stainless steel with red letterboards
in 1951. The Hustler ran until 1954, while the Sunbeam remained
until 1955, after which its cars were sent to Pacific lines of the SP.
40. The Sunbeam’s baggage-express car is followed by chair
cars identical to the ones on the Daylight.
