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Those are certainly good observations Kevin. Here is some additional info….
You are correct that the “UMS” and “SMU” symbols were not being regularly used in 1970….those trains were 201 (south) and 202 (north). Interestingly enough, the 9/1970 Circular 61 freight schedules for this pair of trains shows “201 (UMS)” and “202 (SMU)” on the schedule titles, so at least from a service planning perspective, the UMS and SMU symbols existed as far back as 1970.
These schedules also note “This train is operated in conjunction with Southern and Union Pacific with locomotives operating via all three carriers.” So at this time, there was a locomotive run-through agreement in place.
When the MP converted to a mostly all-letter symbol system in 1974, the run through agreement with UP and Southern was not in effect, and so the UMS/SMU symbols did not show up until 2-15-1978, when run through schedules were re-established.
You have a good eye for freight cars….the 1970 schedule for #202 shows it picking up a block of cars at Memphis destined “Crane-Carthage, MO”, to be set out at AA Siding. (You will have to remind me what AA Siding was renamed.)
As to the MP local operating over the Frisco between Aurora and Springfield, the first run was June 4, 1972, using GP7s 211 & 213. This is based upon notes from Steve McVey.
