"OUR" PLACE - SEE NEW THREAD!

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 2 of 9

”OVER HILL, OVER DALE, WE WILL RIDE THE IRON RAIL . . .

AS THE PULLMAN’S GO ROLLING ALONG”

Growing and GOING that’s the story of our armed forces.

Growing every day and going every night, for long distance troop movements are usually under the cover of darkness, in Pullman sleeping cars.

It’s a big job for the railroads to haul so many cars. And a big job for Pullman to provide them. But it’s a welcome job for both of us, one we’re proud and happy we were prepared to handle.

Prepared? Oh, yes. The way Pullman and the railroads worked together in peacetime – through the Pullman “pool” of sleeping cars – fitted right into the wartime picture.

Here’s how that “pool” works:

> Railroad passenger traffic in different parts of the country fluctuates with the season. Travel south, for instance, is heaviest in winter. And travel north increases in the summer.

> If each railroad owned and operated enough sleeping cars to handle its own peak loads, many of those cars would be idle most of the year.

> With the Pullman “pool,” however, over one hundred different railroads share in the ability of a sleeping car fleet big enough to handle their combined requirements at any one time. As the travel loads shifts north, south, east or west, these cars shift with it. They are seldom idle for when fewer cars are needed on one railroad, more are needed on another.

Now that war has come this “pool”operation of sleeping cars enables troop trains to be

[passengerfan]

Good Morning Tom To early for anything else maybe a coffee royale and a round for the house and a salute to all of the veterans out their.

My Uncle from Missouri remembers his first train ride like it was yesterday.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and waited two days to board a troop train for Naval Boot Camp in Idaho. Just outside Sand Point Idaho the US Navy set up a training base during the war and in the last few years they have had several reunions.
It was his first time away fropm Home and he was one of the lucky ones as the car he was assigned to was a regular Pullman not one of the troop sleepers. He was assigned an upper berth and so he did not have to share space. Those in the lower berths were doubled up, in other words two shared each lower berth. Sounds like the car was an old battleship ot 12 Section 1-Drawing Room car as he said the leaders occupied the only room in the car. The train originated in Kansas City and traveled north through St. Joe where my Uncles car was added and then continued to Omaha over the CB&Q.At that point more cars were added including the dining cars and additional Pullmans were added at Lincoln.
The train traveled the CB&Q route to Billings where the train was turned over to the Northern Pacific for the remainder of the trip to Sand Point.
From Sand Point after completing training he went to his first ship in Oakland it was actually a seagoing barge and he swears it was 100% Concrete. For years I thought he had rocks in his head untile I happened to find one of these oddities in Tacoma. WA.
He said it was shortly after the war ended that they got caught enroute to Russia in the tail end of a Typhoon and the tug that was towing them cut them loose and ran for cover in Dutch Harbor.
Eight days later they found a very seasick bunch on the concrete Ship/Barge there deck cargo of two large cranes detined for a eastern Russian port city were now at the bottom of the Pacific and the tug took them to Russia with the rest of their

[BudKarr]

Good Morning Captain Tom and whoever else is looking in.

I will try one of your breakfast specials, please and I will help myself to a mug of that hot java while I am waiting. Thank you.

Sorry about yesterday, it was catch up day for reports, meetings and the like. Today I have taken off in that November 11th is a day rather special to me as well. Proud of my service, proud of those in my family who served in Canada’s armed forces and those of the U.S. The war to end all wars did not quite make the mark and this sorry old world of ours is embroiled in perhaps something that will never end. It is one thing to fight a foe, it is quite another to battle ideology.

My contribution for today pertains to a train called the “Merci Train.” Ever heard of it? In 1949, forty nine box cars from France were delivered to the port of New York. Each box car was destined for one of the 48 states, with the 49th going to our Capital and our Territories. The contents of the cars contained gifts from the French people in gratitude for the help America provided them in freeing their country from the grip of the Nazi regime in Germany.

The rest of the story (as someone far more prominent than I, likes to say) may be found at this web address:

http://www.rypn.org/Merci/

I will check back on and off during the day, as I expect there will be many interesting things to read.

Thank you Mr. coalminer3 for your contribution of yesterday and also to Mr. trolleyboy for yours as well. Cannot forgot to mention Mr. passengerfan too. Hundreds of thousands of troops, actually more like millions, rode those troop trains. An era not likely to be witnessed ever again insofar as the railroads are concerned.

Captain Tom, you always come up with something unique to keep this place a notch above the rest. Good show to you and your crew!

My apologies if I have omitted mention of others, I am still rather behind in the posts.

[siberianmo]

Good Mornin’,

It appears that we are off to a good start this Veterans/Remembrance Day! I highly recommend that you visit our bar several times during the day, in order not to miss the Posts that are still to come. [tup]

Today we will focus on November 11th and all that it means. Therefore, the “routine” will be somewhat different. Check back on Monday for the continuation of the Fallen Flags and NOSTALGIA pieces.

Some acknowledgements:

trolleyboy Rob Posted: 10 Nov 2005, 23:46:24 and 11 Nov 2005, 00:12:56

I was GOING to comment on your Inclusive Post! – but I see it wasn’t! No comment about the IC or Santa Fe. Fine! Bite him, Tex! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Thanx for your fine offering on the World War I piece – and of course the poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Very, very appropriate and much appreciated. [tup][tup][tup] to YOU, Sir!

passengerfan Al Posted: 11 Nov 2005, 07:38:17

Thank you for your contribution on your uncle’s experiences during WWII, including the troop train! There are millions of stories, with the overwhelming majority of them silenced in time and all that it brings. [tup][tup]

BudKarr BK Posted: 11 Nov 2005, 07:57:30

Good to see again. Figured yesterday was a “wash.” Your URL was “right on.” While I’ve recently visited that site – I think it was Posted somewhere on the Forums a month ago or so – it is a great story. Given the feelings many have regarding France these days, the people of the times didn’t forget. Isn’t that what counts? Governments and policies have a way of “getting in the way.” It’s what’s in the hearts of the people that means so much more. Thanx! [tup][tup]

I will be Posting relevant material throughout the day. I may not get to your specific contribution for acknowledg

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 3 of 9

O****ne passenger – or one million

Those carefree days when a man could almost as easily as he’d are out for the duration.

Folks have to share the railroads with the Army and Navy, just as they’re sharing everything else these days.

We wish we could still offer you an unlimited choice of departure times and accommodations, but more than a million and half troops per month must be cared for first.

That takes a lot of cars and a lot of locomotives.

It takes the time of a lot of railroad men, for these movements must be handled swiftly and secretly.

After meeting all the vast demands of a nation at war, we are not always able to serve the public as well as we’d like to – but nevertheless with a little cooperation, we’ll get you where you have to go.

Transportation is our business as well as our duty - and we want you to know that every railroad man worthy of the name has his heart in the job.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Association of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Railroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United for Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to follow …………

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[passengerfan]

Tom Since it Veterans day I thought I might add this.

Growing up in Seattle I can still remember the troop ships arriving back in Seattle at the end of that war with the two Fireboats one named Duwami***he other named Alki. They would be using all of there monitors sparying water into the air, Also the Washington State ferries would be blowing their horns to welcome the returning troops home and waiting at piers 90 and 91 were the troop trains to return the men to their homes. Some of the trains originated at King St. Station or Union Station and the men were bused from the piers to the stations, but many originated right from the pier. Since Seattle was the closest major port city to Korea the number of troop ships was impressive. It took several trains to transport the arriving troops from just one of the arriving ships.
I remember on one occasion an arriving Hosptal Ship during the war and the trains transporting the wounded to the closest veterans hospital to ther home. Many of them went to the VA hospital in Seattle located on Beacon Hill just a couple of blocks from my home at the time.
Most were transferred to US Army hospital cars for the train trip home many the walking wounded were handled in regular troop trains with some medical personnel traveling with them.
Seattle was a bee hive of activity throughout the Korean war with supplies and troops outbound and later inbound as the war was ending. They even sold a bunch of Jeeps still in crates right off the pier in 1956 for $100.00 each, I know as my father bought one and put it together. He had it for years, I dont think he ever put a license plate on it.
I understand that many of the troops also traveled by plane to Seattle from and to Korea and Japan, but don’t know much about that . The ships and troop trains received the most attention. I only remember the one Hospital Ship arrival.
Enough of my rambling.

[Anonymous]

In keeping with the solemnity of the day, I will forego the usual salutations and focus on this special time for honoring our forebearers. Sacrifice lies at the fulcrum point in times of conflict when adversaries meet in mortal combat. For those lost to us through their “ultimate sacrifice,” probably no words in the English language could state our deepest regard for them than those of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Yes, I know, the words of his “Address” have been repeated innumerable times on countless holidays. If the prose has come to be regarded as nearly “cliche,” the reason is no mystery.

Sacrifice in the trenches of Verdun, fields of Normandy, and beaches of Iwo Jima, were not the exclusive domain of our honored dead. Whole nations felt the heavy burden of self sacrifice. From Toddlers on powdered formula to the elderly on “short rations,” every citizen felt the sting of war in some measure. Even in our own chosen liesure time activity of Railroading, one cannot exclude the the “war years” that changed us and the world. We cannot see a 100 car freight without remembering the endless flat cars hauling military ordinance (tanks, Jeeps, A.A. betteries, et al.). The Standard heavy weight cars in Pullman Green or Olive Drab bekon back visions of the venerable G. I.s hanging out of windows and waving to civilians on the station platforms or in cars on adjacent highways. Then, when we visit a museum exhibiting those magnificent steam “road engines” or the humble yard swithcer and invariably, some vestige of the frenzied activity along our nation’s rails comes leaping back to us. All along, we were mindful that beyond the exhilerating excitement of this frenetic activity there was a very dark side to it all…the destination! So, “bitter sweet” may best describe those years and the very special “generations” who brought us through them.

May we all raise our cups in a toast to those who were our Shepherds through our nation’s most trying and despaerate years. Hear, hear.

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 4 of 9

. . . . .”Keep “Em Rollin’ . . or Else!”__. . . . .
says grandpappy engine 2414 to a 1942 Santa Fe Freight Diesel

“Back in ’98, in the Spanish-American War,” reminisces little Old-Timer 2414, “20 cars was an average-length freight train. By World War I, we’d upped our Santa Fe freights to an average 35.9 cars. Not bad railroadin’, that.”

“Not bad is right,” answers the big new freight Diesel, “but not good enough for World War II. Now we’ve stretched ‘em out another 41% to 50.9 cars, and those cars are bigger, loaded heavier, and rolling farther and faster.”

“Good work, son,” says Old-Timer. “Yours is the BIG war job. Keep ‘em rollin’ – or else!”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN’ – OR ELSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

* No nation that does not possess efficient mass transportation can hope to win a modern war. In America that mass transportation job is squarely up to her railroads. If they fail, we lose.

Neither battle gallantry nor industrial wizardry alone will turn the tide. To meet this tremendous responsibility, we ask for every possible consideration in the allocation of materials for vitally essential repairs, maintenance and new equipment.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAILY THE LOAD INCREASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To date, the railroads haves met 100% the staggering demands born of this global war. Many have helped make that record possible – the War Department, the Office of Defense Transportation, civilian shippers and travelers everywhere.

In the first six month of 1942

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 5 of 9

Like Father in 1917 ~ Like Son, in 1942 ~

. . . . . Americans feel at home in Britain. . . . .

Americans have always felt at home in Britain . . . in peace time . . . or in war.

Whether they have come over, equipped with guide books, golf clubs and cameras for a quiet sojourn among Britain’s peaceful hedgerows, historic landmarks, and the ancestral beginnings of American ideals, laws and traditions or whether they have come, as in 1942 with steel helmets, bayonets, tanks and bombers in defenses of these very ideals, by which both nations are so closely bound together in common heritage, Americans feel that they are truly among friends – in Britain.

Year after year, in happier times, British Railways have brought American travelers along the magic trail that leads into the heart of Britain – the glorious, colourful panorama of History, Literature, Tradition and Ideals.

Until Victory comes, as it must and will, British Railways continue to maintain their contact with their American Friends, through their General Traffic Manager, C. M. Turner, 9 Rockerfeller Plaza, New York, N. Y.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRITISH RAILWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to follow …………

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[pwolfe]

Hi Tom and All.

A toast please for all Veterns Past and Present.

Very good posts on this most noteworthy of days showing how the railroads Stepped up to the Plate, as I believe you say over here, in the most diffecult of times. The skill needed to drive the often overloaded trains in the blackout many with hazardous cargos with the danger of air-raids is trully amazing.

After WW1 some railway companies in the U.K named a loco in Honour of the Fallen who had previously been in the sevice of that Company.

The London Brighton and South Coast had a 2-6-4 tank it named REMBERANCE.
The London & North Western had a 4-6-0 named PATRIOT and the
Great Central a 4-6-0 named VALOUR .
The name Valour is carried today on a North American built diesel loco Class 66 owned by the GBRf company.

In Britain Rememberance Sunday as it is known is commemerated by the sale of paper poppies which benifit the Royal British Legion. You may have noticed Prince Charles was wearing one on his recent visit.

At the factory I went to work for in Rugby, outside the main gate is a Memorial to the Fallen of the two World Wars. In steam days on Rememberance Sunday the loco depot prepared the locomotive Patriot by covering it in poppies. the loco was then parked on a bridge which gave access to the works ajacent to the Memorial. A service was held there. After Patriot was withdrawn the loco used was a Royal Scot class 4-6-0 #46170 British Legion. this engines nameplate was a replica of the Legion emblem with a lion’s head and the words to the top and bottom.

I’m Afraid I dont know why Rugby was singled for this honour. Today the bridge and the Engine Shed have gone. Thankfully the Memorial and works(though much smaller still survive.

PETE

[BudKarr]

Good Afternoon Captain Tom and Gentlemen,

I must say again that you, Captain Tom, have exceeded all expectations with the manner in which you have provided us with excellence in relevance and research. Well done!

Oh yes, perhaps I should purchase a round for the house - I’ll have one a VO on the rocks if you please. Thank you.

Today I have visited several places, including a ceremeony for the fallen. It occurs to me that we have somewhat a “split” regarding this day. Is it to be solemn, as one member so eloquently phrased it, or should it simply be a day of recognition for all of the veterans who served and are serving? An interesting conumdrum perhaps.

U.S. Memorial Day is for the fallen. Great Britain, Austrailia, New Zealand and Canda hold that Remembrance day is for the fallen and the veterans of war. France has a slightly different twist to it and focuses more on WWI, which was the original intent for the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month.

U.S. Armed Forces Day is for those presently serving. U.S. Veterans Day is for the name it carries. When precisely does one become a veteran? Is it after having served in the military, or perhaps after a campaign, or both, or is there an answer? One of those thoughts that really does not go anywhere and is hardly meant to denegrate the day or those who served in the military. I salute ALL who have served and are serving. I especially revere those who served, not by necessarily being a volunteer, but who answered the call and served well, with pride and honor. I am of course referring to the multitudes who were drafted. The volunteers hold yet another place of esteem, especially war time volunteers.

I have read every word and appreciate the effort all have put forth on this day. Grand idea, Captain Tom and I toast you for your long and faithful service to our nation - 32 years was it? Impressive indeed.

BK

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 6 of 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A BOY ON A HILL-TOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

He used to wave at me from that hill . . . we lived just beyond it. He knew the exact time I’d be by . . . and I’d wave to him from the cab.

And on my time off, I’d go to the hill with him, and we’d sit together, my son and I, and wait for the trains to come along. We’d hear their whistle calling across the distance . . . then see the long plume of smoke come into view, racing like the wind . . . and as they thundered by, we’d both wave to the engineer.

Maybe there’s something in heredity – he seemed to have the railroad in his blood. When he finished school . . . well I rolled into the yards one day, and there he was – long longer my little boy, but a man. A railroad man!

He might someday have taken over my run. But, last December 7th, he was twenty-one . . .

I don’t know where he is now. He got is two weeks leave before he left. But whenever I pass that hill, I seem to see him, as he used to be, before he became a man and had to shoulder the responsibility of being a man.

I know he wants to come back to the railroad . . . and I’m going to see that he does come back! These Japs and *** who started all this – when they creep up on him and all his fellows in arms – even if they come with a thousand tanks and mobile guns and all the dive-bombers they can find in hell – he and his buddies will meet them with fifty thousand tanks and a hundred thousand planes and two hundred thousand guns. My job, now, is to get that equipment to the ships that’ll take it to him and to all the other American boys like him, no matter where they are.

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 7 of 9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . HE WHO ”steps up” ALSO SERVES . . . . . . . . . .

UNION PACIFIC is doing its share to meet the nation’s vital need for dependable transportation. It’s a job we’re proud to do. Over the “the strategic middle route” connecting East with West, our gigantic locomotives are hauling not only war materials but also thousands of Uncle Sam’s men in uniform.

Thus, it is apparent that travelers may not always find it possible to obtain their preferred accommodations. Perhaps only coach seats or upper berths will be available. To Union Pacific patrons, who we have had the pleasure of serving and will continue to serve to the best of our ability, we would like to say, “he who steps up also serves” and express our thanks for your cooperation.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Progresssive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Strategic Middle Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Buy U. S. War Bonds – They Identify You” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to follow …………

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 8 of 9

O**N THEIR WAY

Shades are drawn down. Lights dim low. The landscape is blotted out . . . there’s just the hum of the speeding train.

These boys know what it means – the troop train is approaching the troop ships.

Some draw a deep breath. A soldier fumbles for a letter. Another wonders if he can make a last telephone call. Another draws out a crumpled photograph.

No, travelers don’t see this – but the trainmen of the Pennsylvania Railroad do, daily. And more so than ever now. As the swelling tide of American youth – fine and fit streams overseas . . .

Of course, it takes a lot of equipment for these troop movements – but with what remains we are doing our best to serve all essential travelers . . . efficiently, courteously.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUY UNITED STATES WAR BONDS AND STAMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pennsylvania Railroad

More to follow …………

Tom [4:-)] [oX)]

[Anonymous]

Hi again everyone, hopefully, all of you are having a toughtful, inspiring Veterans and or Remembrance Day in their own respective tradition of this observance. I attended a service at our local Post of the American Legion, followed by the words of some of our “Senior” members over a meditative, relaxing libation. Veterans of W.W. II are now few in number. So, when there is an opportunity, I listen and “listen” well.

My Sister’s thoughtful gift of “The D-Day Experience” (and the Invasion to the Liberation of Paris) written by Richard Holmes and produced in association with the Imperial War Museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia on that epoch. I recommend it to all who have special attachments and memories for that epic struggle.

Tom, the “big band” selections on the Wurtlitzer are appropriate with the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey bands, Les Brown’s “Band of reknown,” Artie Shaw, Kay Kaiser, the Ted Heath and Johnny Dankworth bands of England plus the crooning of Bing Crosby and “scat” singing of Ella Fitzgerald. Also, the beautiful renditions of so many “lilting” ballads that gave us succor and comfort during those soulful days. Two in particular forever “ring in my ears.” It was Les Brown’s “Going to Take a ‘Sentimental Journey’ Home” with “canary” Doris Day which always brings the image of cross ties and steel rails disappearing into the distance to mind. The other is the immortal “White Cliffs of Dover” by Vera Linn that brings a “lump to the throat” everytime. Great choices!

There are many fine posts on this day and I would just like to say that it is a singular privilege and pleasure to share them with such an august group as at “Our” Place. I would like to toast my “night cap” for all those who keep this really special spot alive on occasions like this. Good night all.

[siberianmo]

”Our” Place Commemoration of Veterans/Remembrance Day 2005

Number 9 of 9

A NEW DAY DAWNS IN RAILROADING

War traffic has more than doubled the volume of freight hauled by the Western Pacific Railroad from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Wherever the going it toughest n this rugged route, General Motors Diesel freight locomotives have kept this vast stream of vital munitions moving steadily.

War building is being rushed ahead with reliable General Motors Diesel power. In the days to come this dependable, economical power will be ready to do the hard jobs of peace.

Throughout history, wars have set up new milestones of transportation progress. And with this war, it is the General Motors Diesel Locomotive that is ushering in the new era. What advances the future will bring are already apparent in the present performance of these locomotives and the way they are helping to meet the abnormal demands upon the railroads today.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KEEP AMERICA STRONG * BUY MORE BONDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCOMOTIVES . . ……………………ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIVISION, La Grange, Ill.

ENGINES . . 150 to 2000 H.P. ……… CLEVELAND DIESEL ENGINE DIVISION, Cleveland, Ohio

ENGINES . . . 15 to 250 H.P. ……… DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE DIVISION, Detroit, Mich.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.

[passengerfan]

Thanks Tom enjoyed all of the WW II posts today. Now it is time to pour a round and salute all of the heroes from the past and present who gave their all for this great country and are continuing to give their all as we write.
I know I left a lot of friends behind as did others . My younger brothers high school class lost eleven.
Pour another round Tom ans lets all raise another toast in their honor.

[BudKarr]

Good Evening Captain Tom and Crew,

Just time for a night cap for me. I will stay with VO on the rocks please. Well, perhaps one of those great looking sirloin steaks too. Thank you.

It has been a rather long day for me and I know for you Captain Tom. Very well done on your part and all who took the time to participate in this event.

I hope you do not take issue with my eforts over on another forum, but I have mentioned this bar on more than one occasion and hope some have visited. The Coffee Shop seems to be rather entrenched though and I do not have a feel for whether they are interested in visiting other sites. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.

I raise my glass in honor of all who have served and especially those who never returned.

Thank you all and enjoy your weekend.

BK

[siberianmo]

Good Evenin’ Gents!

Just a couple of thoughts before checkin’ out for the night …

It’s been a grand time, hasn’t it [?] “We done good,” today and you’ve all been very supportive of what the intent of this was to be. Thanx! [tup][tup][tup]

Now, it’s time for those cakes that Manager Ted arranged for us from The Mentor Village Bakery - a cake for each proud nation: Canada the U.S.A. Great Britain

Dig in and the drinks are on the house! Boris ring the bell! [swg]

G’nite all! [zzz]

Tom[4:-)][oX)]

[passengerfan]

Good evening Tom and the rest of the gang. Just time for a CR and a round for the house.
Thought I would mention that every railroad put forth 110% effort for the war effort in WW II. But one railreoad particularly stands out and that railroad was the Santa Fe. This railroad had being testing the products of EMC and later EMD since 1936 and even Alco made an appearance before WW II in passenger service. The Santa Fe had several bad water districts particularly across New Mexico, Arizona and even even parts of California. It was for this reason they turned to the EMD FT diesels in ABBA sets early in the war and never looked back. They were the largest purchaser of the FT from EMD and they became the workhors of the railroad with their 5400 hp and the government routed much in the way of war material to and from California via the Santa Fe. Even so the Santa fe was still purchasing steam throughout the war such as the big Norhern that is being restored as we write in New Mexico. I am looking forward to Gunns and the others finishing this project so I can see it once again under steam the way god intended.
The UP stayed with staem for the most part during the war with Big Boys and Challengers.
The GN was another road that looked at the EMD FT and purchased large numbers to keep the war effort on track .
I think if one railroad diesel can be associated with WW II it would have to be the EMD FT and what it represented in the war effort.
If a single passenger car can be associated with WW II who would have to be the Pullman Heavyweight 12-1 Sleeper. Probably more Military personel traveled in this car type than any other. Most early WW II troop trains were comprised of 12-1 , 14 Section and Sixteen section sleepers with dining cars or in some cases baggage car quickly converted to dining cars for these trains. Later in the war the troop kitchens and troop sleepers would take their place in the troop trains but the 12-1 was probably the most popular of all throughout the war and after. I w