SP Train Symbols

[thespcaboose]

I thought I would explain how the train symbols worked on the Southern Pacific. So, here I go.

An example of how the symbols worked would be: 2LABRT3(K)07.
This ten digit symbol breaks down to; 2=section, LA=Los Angeles (origin), BR=Brooklyn Yard in Portland (destination), T=Trailors (descriptive designation), 3=route code, (K)=designation-hazardous material, 07=date of the month departed.

All the thru freights on the SP had this type of ten digit symbol.

[waf]

That was how symbols were listed post 1985

1974 to 1985 it would be 2LABRT7 and if it was a "key" train, then 2LABRK7

Prior to 1974 it would have been 2/376-7 ( or 2/375-7 if LA to Elvas)

[thespcaboose]

Very cool. Thanks for the info.

[johncarr]

There is more information on SP freight train symbols at
www.carrtracks.com/spintro.htm

I am always discovering additional symbols, so if you spot any errors or have additional information to share let me know.

John Carr in Dallas, Texas
[e-mail]

[thespcaboose]

This is a good looking list John. Thank you for posting it.

[SP 9811]

Excellent information John. And your site is just as informative. I visit it frequently for the SP symbol info.
Thom

[epsw]

One train that was the pride of the freight fleet was the Blue Streak Merchandise Fast Freight. When the lettering system was put in place it maintained the ID : BSMFF.

[mrespee]

I remember simbols such as LABRT which meant Los Angeles Brooklyn Trailers. If memory serves me right this was train 376 the Starpacer in days of old.
PTCIY was another Portland Terminal City of Industry Freight
PTEUY Portland Terminal Eugene Freight
MERVY Medford Roseville Freight
BRLAF Brooklyn Los Angeles Forwarder
Just a few of the ones I recall