Does anybody have any info about the Cotton Belt's Blue Streak Merchandise trains? The SSW used to serve the nearby town of Paris, Texas, so Cotton Belt trivia is interesting to me. I've heard the Blue Streak had a very aggressive schedule....one of the hottest in the country. Is this true? Also, what type of consist was usually found in the train?
Although I am not a fan as such, I certainly saw the cars and slogan. Recall hearing it mentioned, so long ago. So now you have made me curious!
One of our members here, SSW9389, is quite knowledgeable about the Cotton Belt. Perhaps he will chime in here. I do know the Blue Streak Merchandise was a hot train in its day.
Yes the Blue Streak Merchandise was a hot train for its day. You have to read Fred Frailey's Blue Streak Merchandise book to get a true feel for the train and all its different schedules and routings from 1931 to 1991. The Blue Streak schedule had to be more aggressive, because the combined Cotton Belt/Espee route was longer than its competitors. Paris, Texas was served by an Espee branch line out of Commerce, Texas. This was a remnant of the old Texas Midland Railroad that Espee bought in 1928. The Campbell Soup plant in Paris received cars from the Dallas section of the Blue Streak.
Very cool, thanks! I will for sure be looking for that book. On the way to pick up some farm parts today, I passed under an old rail overpass with faded Cotton Belt lettering still on it. Really sparked the imagination.
