From: lfsheldon@gmail.com

On 4/15/2014 9:12 AM, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:
> questions on Pullman operation...
>
> In the days of Pullman travel, it was common to set out a Pullman on
> a siding when the train stopped in the middle of the night.
> Passengers could stay in their berths until morning.  The car would
> be picked up on the next run.  (Likewise, passengers could board a
> Pullman in the evening, which would actually leave in the middle of
> the night).  These services continued until Amtrak, and even Amtrak
> may have had a few.
>
> In the old days, power for lights and a/c was provided by batteries
> charged by generators attached to the wheels.  Steam from the
> locomotive provided heat.  Can one presume that every set-out siding
> had steam and electric lines to support set-out sleepers?
>
> What about special events?  Sometimes a fleet of Pullmans would
> arrive at a major sports event, political convention, etc.
> Passengers would use their Pullman cars as an hotel for the event.
> Again, were their electric and steam lines available for a whole
> fleet of cars?
>
> Now, the tricky question.  On old trains, restroom waste was dumped
> directly onto the tracks.  While the train was moving that wasn't a
> problem, but it wasn't good in a station.  Indeed, signs were on
> toilets asking not to flush in a station.  So, what about set out
> Pullmans, which would be in a spot for at least several hours?
> Passengers have to go.  Without other means, in the morning the
> siding would not be a pleasant place, especially in the summer.

My recollections of the old Third and Townsend station is that the
tracks (the line dead-ended there--trains ran engine-first in, stopped
and unloaded, engine was disconnected and pulled away a bit, yard engine
and crew pulled the train out, the engine ran down to the engine area,
train (if not taken to a service area) pushed back in and the last car
(was first car) could be connected to steam, power, and air-pipe.  I
don't have specific memory, but I think the toilets were
locked--passengers were probably expected to use the station facilities.
  I do think I remember on long runs (as opposed to the commuter trains)
the toilets were locked as a station as a stop was approached.

http://www.snowcrest.net/photobob/fmc8.jpg


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