From: Track212@nyc.rr.com

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.
>
> Thanks.
>
> [public replies, please]
>
Amtrak's "Night Owl," with sleepers between Washington and Boston, for a
few years also had a Washington-New York set-out sleeper.  In 1988 I
rode it in a roomette.  After arrival at 2:40 a.m. It was shunted onto a
spare track in Pennsylvania Station, and one could stay on board until 8:00.

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