From: heller@deepsoft.com   
      
   At Tue, 15 Apr 2014 21:32:08 -0400 Track212  wrote:   
      
   >   
   > 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.   
      
   By 1988, all of Amtrak's equipment was either converted to HEP or scrapped.   
   I'm not sure if all of the restrooms had been converted by then.   
      
   >   
      
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