Missouri Pacific Train 31, February 15, 1951, from conductor log book. Train 31 was the Sunshine Special, essentially the third section of the Texas Eagle, leaving St. Louis at 5:35pm. Texas Eagle trains 1 and 21 both departed at 5:30pm.

This consist is of the train departing Poplar Bluff. An Arkansas Division train crew operated Poplar Bluff to Texarkana, while the engine crews operated Poplar Bluff to Little Rock and Little Rock to Texarkana. A diner-lounge operated St. Louis to Poplar Bluff, and a cafe-parlor from Texarkana to San Antonio, but there was no food service car for the overnight segment between Poplar Bluff and Texarkana. The ultimate destination is listed after each car. There was no through car service to the SP; it is presumed that the car shown going to the Southern Pacific at San Antonio was a special move, most likely a military “Main” movement related to the Korean War.

7011A – 7018A (MP E-7a locomotives)
CB&Q 1541 express San Antonio
MP 2575 mail & baggage San Antonio
Point Carmel 10-2 Pullman ownership to SP at San Antonio
Pequaket 12-1 T&P ownership San Antonio
6564 MP coach San Antonio
6336 MP coach San Antonio
East Cooper 12-1 SLSF ownership San Antonio
Point Detour 10-2 Pullman ownership San Antonio
Rio Frio 10-1-2 MP ownership Shreveport L&A train 3 from Hope
Marcus Daly 8-1-2 I-GN ownership El Dorado Train 821 from Gurdon
Clover Wreath 8-5 MP ownership Lake Charles Train 131 from Little Rock
6332 MP coach Hot Springs Train 831 from Little Rock
Eagle Tree 14-4 MP ownership Hot Springs Train 831 from Little Rock This car arrived in Hot Springs in the middle of the night, but was open for occupancy until 8:30am.

The normal car assigned to the St. Louis-Shreveport run was a 14-4 lightweight car, but on this trip, a 10-1-2 heavyweight was substituted.

Bill Pollard