SP Freight Train Symbol History

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Most of the following train symbols originated at Memphis, Long Beach, or Medford, OR.

SP train symbol WCKCM at Theba, AZ

MBSMF began as the ICB (IC Cotton Belt Run Thru) and became the MFPBT in 1974. MFPBT handled TOFC and other traffic not received in run thru connections at Memphis. BSMFY handled manifest traffic from Memphis and from connecting trains at Pine Bluff for West Colton and Los Angeles. In 1982, MBSMF handled TOFC, autos, and manifest traffic for Los Angeles and the Bay Area and picked up at Pine Bluff, Corsicana, San Antonio, El Paso, and Tucson. It was changed on July 10, 1984 to handle premium traffic for Tucson, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area and have a minimum of 3.5 horsepower per ton.

SP train symbol MBSMF at Corsicana, TX

MEEUM handled traffic on the Siskiyou Line and picked up traffic for reclassification at Eugene. The former symbol was MEEUY. In 1989, it normally operated on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. On other days train ROEUM may have operated from Roseburg to Eugene.

SP train symbol MEKFM at Texum, OR

MEKFM handled traffic for connection with train EUASM at Klamath Falls. It began in early 1989.

MEWCM began as the SLW (Siskiyou Line West) and became the SLWCY in 1974 operating via Roseville and the San Joaquin Div. From 1979 thru 1985, MERVY handled traffic for Redding, Roseville, and beyond. In 1982, MEWCY bypassed Roseville operating down the Coast Div and handled traffic for Roseville and east, set out at Redding and traffic for West Colton and beyond. The MERVY became the MERVM and MEWCM in October 1985. When there is insufficient traffic to operate beyond Roseville, symbol MERVM is used. In 1987, it would set out Bay Area traffic at Redding and pick up traffic for Roseville and West Colton set out by the EUPXM.

MFDAQ Sprint train began in June 1986 and is combined with the ESDAQ at Pine Bluff. It handled Dallas TOFC.

MFLAT began as the 2MBSMF. It became the MFLAT on July 10, 1984 to handle TOFC and manifest traffic not handled on the MBSMF for Los Angeles and the Bay Area. It picked up additional traffic at Corsicana, San Antonio, and El Paso.

MFLXA handled Oakland, Tucson, Phoenix, and Los Angeles TOFC, Long Beach autos, and Gemco auto parts.

SP train symbol MFLBT at Ordway, CA

MFMXT began March 26, 1989 handling Mitsui OSK Line containers from Atlanta via CSX.

SP train symbol MFOAT at Colton, CA

MFOAT began as the MBAMF (Memphis Bay Area Merchandise Forwarder) in early 1983. MBAMF handled manifest and TOFC traffic for Corsicana, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, and California. It became the MFBAT in February 1985, became the SOBAT in April and became the MFOAT in October 1985. In 1985, it handled traffic for Tyler, Corsicana, San Antonio, El Paso and TOFC for the Bay Area and Roseville. It picked up additional traffic at San Antonio and El Paso.

MFPBM began as the MFPBY. In 1982, it handled traffic for reclassification at Pine Bluff. The MFPBY became the MFPBM in October 1985 and operated as needed on no set schedule.

MFSXT handled Sea-Land containers.

MLLAA began in early 1983 and operated until July 1984 as a Milwaukee Road run thru from Chicago. It handled auto parts, auto racks, TOFC, and manifest traffic for El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix, and Southern California.

MXCHT handled Mitsui OSK Line containers for connection with SOO train 802 to Chicago.

MXCRQ handled Mitsui OSK container for Conrail as required.

MXEST began December 3, 1985 handling Mitsui OSK Line containers destined for Chicago and Columbus, Ohio. From East St Louis the containers were handled by Conrail train TV600.

MXICQ handled Mitsui OSK container for ICG as required.

MXMFT began March 26, 1989 handling Mitsui OSK Line containers for Atlanta via CSX.

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