MER Clinic: Shortline Operating Patterns in the Early Twentieth Century

A hundred years ago, small shortline railroads?of any gauge?were an integral part of the life of their on-line communities. Residents relied on the local railroad not only to carry their goods to market but to allow them to visit larger communities for shopping, jury duty, courthouse business, and much more. In response, shortlines evolved sometimes complex operating schemes combining service to county seats with attention to mail contracts and commuting needs for local industry. This clinic discusses the basic principles of shortline passenger scheduling, using examples drawn from the narrow-gauge East Broad Top, Waynesburg & Washington, and Ohio River & Western.

Back to clinics home