10-16-2011, 09:52 AM
None of the poll responses fit.
In 1900, choices for overland transport of people were trains (and trolleys), stage coaches, wagons, horseback, or by foot. So passenger traffic was a part of any railroad in that era. However, on short lines and in rural areas, running dedicated passenger trains often couldn't be justified. Hence, mixed trains were actually more common than dedicated passenger service off the beaten path.
On my logging line, passenger service - however rudimentary - was provided at dawn and at sunset to get workers into and out of the woods from the camp locations. Depending on the situation, it may be just an empty flat car, or it could be a real coach or combine to provide the service. Usually, the morning train would be taking empties to the woods along with the workers. The evening run would bring the last loads out along with the workers. Sundays would feature a dedicated train between the camps and the nearest town with a church. And in good weather, an excursion train and picnic on Sunday afternoons. A Saturday night train into town was strictly prohibited in order to encourage better morals in the camps!
just an example
Fred W
In 1900, choices for overland transport of people were trains (and trolleys), stage coaches, wagons, horseback, or by foot. So passenger traffic was a part of any railroad in that era. However, on short lines and in rural areas, running dedicated passenger trains often couldn't be justified. Hence, mixed trains were actually more common than dedicated passenger service off the beaten path.
On my logging line, passenger service - however rudimentary - was provided at dawn and at sunset to get workers into and out of the woods from the camp locations. Depending on the situation, it may be just an empty flat car, or it could be a real coach or combine to provide the service. Usually, the morning train would be taking empties to the woods along with the workers. The evening run would bring the last loads out along with the workers. Sundays would feature a dedicated train between the camps and the nearest town with a church. And in good weather, an excursion train and picnic on Sunday afternoons. A Saturday night train into town was strictly prohibited in order to encourage better morals in the camps!
just an example
Fred W