SP Promontory Branch

Southern Pacific, Promontory Branch

This page was last updated on October 25, 2007.

SP trains on Promontory Branch between Ogden and Corinne Junction, moved from SP tracks to adjacent and parallel OSL (UP) tracks on July 26, 1903, by way of Brigham City and OSL's new Brigham City Cutoff.

First westbound via OSL was on March 19, 1903. (email from John Sweetser, from Elko Weekly Independent, March 27, 1903)

Mainline trains operated over "Promontory Line" until July 1, 1906. After that date, only local and mail traffic used the old line. (see SP In Utah chronology history)

During 1906 there was a daily train between Montello and Ogden, known as the "Alkali Limited". (email from John Sweetser, April 24, 2003; from Nevada State Herald (Wells), June 8, 1906)

The following OSL (UP) passenger trains are shown in the September 1909 SP employee's timetable (courtesy of Tony Johnson):

Train 131 "Malad Motor" (Daily except Sunday)
Train 132 "Malad & Ogden Motor (Daily except Sunday)
Trains 133-134 "Malad Passenger"
McKeens 8 through 17 are listed in the "Rating of Locomotives"

The 1909 timetable only shows the above trains only as operating on the SP only between Corinne Jct. and Corrine. In later timetables, specifically one from 1929, the only scheduled SP trains were all Mixed trains running between Corinne and Lucin, or between Corrine and Kelton. This was much later than McKeen cars were operating on SP. (courtesy of Tony Johnson)

Ken Harrison shares the following information from several different SP public timetables:

In the January, 1908, issue, train 203 left Ogden daily except Sunday at 0820 and terminated at Kelton at 1240. Its counterpart, 204, left Kelton at 1315 and terminated Ogden 1825. There was no service west of Kelton. The heading for the timetable is "Ogden and Montello-via Old Line." As early as August, 1915, there was thrice-weekly service Ogden-Kelton and Tuesday only, returning Wednesday, Ogden-Montello. In neither event is the service refered to as "motor," which was a common means by which SP differentiated these movements.
According to the September 17, 1904 timetable, service over the Lucin cutoff had not yet commenced. That is interesting, because a Company document I have states that the line was opened in April 1904. That is, however, a pencil correction of the typed date of January 1, 1905. This same docoment states that in April 1909, gasoline motor operation was commenced on the Sacramento-Fair Oaks and the Hazen-Fallon runs. There is no mention of the Promontory line.
While the March 1911 schedule shows service over the cutoff, there is no mention of service on the original line, nor is there such in the January 1912 schedule, notwithstanding that it includes every other branch on the Overland route. In that last mentioned timetable, Corinne, Utah, appears as a listed station, but the page reference is 00. Naturally, there is no page 00.
Corinne is also not listed in the December 1913 schedule, nor the June and September 1914, or the January 1915 issue.
Skipping ahead to March 1925, we find that service is listed only as Corinne-Kelton (twice a week) or Corinne-Montello (once a week, as before).

Corinne Junction to Ogden abandoned circa 1932-1936 (operation via OSL after 1903). Placed "out of service" between 1903 and 1932.

Watercress to Kelton operation ended on March 31, 1937. (Utah PSC Case 1918).

Passenger service in 1938 included a mixed train (trains 617/618) between Corinne and Kelton (and return) on Mondays and Fridays, and another (one way) mixed train (train 615) between Corinne and Lucin on Wednesday's only, using the same schedule as train 617 between Corinne and Kelton.

On June 11, 1942, the federal ICC approved SP's abandonment of the Promontory Branch between Corinne and Lucin. Dismantling began immediately and an "undriving" of the last spike ceremony was held at Promontory on September 8, 1942.

SP facilities at Corinne, and SP trackage between Corinne and Corinne Junction, was leased to OSL on March 16, 1945; sold to OSL on October 16, 1947.

SP right-of-way between Ogden and Corinne Junction, not operated since 1903, was sold to Salt Lake Pipeline Co. on February 13, 1951. (Box Elder County Book of Deeds 59, p.613)

Motive Power

A. D. McLennan shared the following in an email dated October 13, 1998, concerning the motive power used on the Promontory Branch, later known as the Kelton Branch:

"BLE Rulings and Settlements, issued at San Francisco on March 1, 1935, notes that on February 9, 1933, engine 1785 provided the regular power for Train 617 Brigham-Kelton mixed (which returned the following day as Train 618). Because of heavy snow, engines 1618 and 2269 plus flanger followed Train 617 from Brigham to Roser, where they were incorporated into Train 617 mid-train and proceeded thus to Kelton. Next day, Train 618 returned to Brigham behind engines 1785, 1618 and 2269. Train 618's combine was dropped at Brigham and the three engines plus flanger returned cab hop to Ogden.

"Otto Perry photographed X2661W with 25 cars at Blue Creek on August 9, 1935.

"Engines 1785 and 2269 appear in the Salt Lake Division assignment lists for 1-31-36 and 12-31-37. On 8-31-41, engine 2269 was still so assigned but 1753 was the only Mogul left on the Salt Lake Division. On 6-30-47, neither 2269 nor any Moguls were assigned to the division.

"The lists for 1-31-36, 12-31-37, 3-31-39 and 8-31-41 show engine 2661 assigned to the Salt Lake Division in switching service."

SP 1618 was an M-4 Class 2-6-0 Mogul
SP 1753 and 1785 were M-6 Class 2-6-0 Moguls
SP 2269 was a T-1 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler
SP 2661 was a C-5 Class 2-8-0 Consolidation

Promontory Branch Station Summary

(west to east)

Umbria Junction

In service as Umbria, 1903 to 1904
In service as Umbria Junction, 1904 to 1916
3,390' siding
Connection to Promontory Branch, 1903 to 1916
MP 678 in 1915

Lucin (MP 679.2)

124 cars capacity passing siding
Not shown in 1909 employee timetable
Watering station for locomotives (1931)
Wye track (1931)
Connection to Promontory Branch, from August 29, 1916
MP 679.2 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Lucin (MP 680) (old location, on Promontory Branch)

In service, 1869 to 1915
MP 680 in 1923

Grouse (MP 674.3) (old location)

In service, 1905 to 1908
New location of Grouse (1912-1966) was on the new westbound line between Tecoma and Lucin, completed in December 1911
MP 674.3 in 1923

Medea (MP 690.0)

In service, 1900 to 1907
MP 690.0 in 1923

Warm Springs (MP ???)

Bovine (MP 699.8)

44 cars capacity passing siding
4,653' siding
In service, 1869 to 1942
not shown in 1942 employee timetable
MP 695.9 in 1909
MP 695 in 1915
MP 691.6 in 1923
MP 699.8 in 1931 (ETT)

Walden (MP ???)

In service, 1899 to 1907
MP 701 in 1915

Watercress (MP 699.8)

8 cars capacity passing siding (9 cars in 1942)
In service, 1917 to 1942
Not shown in 1909 employee timetable
MP 702 in 1915
MP 699.8 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Terrace (MP 702.1)

66 cars capacity passing siding
4,204' siding
In service, 1869 to 1936
shown in 1931 employee timetable without siding or car capacity
not shown in 1942 employeee timetable
Site of Eastern Division mechanical shops until 1891.
MP 705.9 in 1909
MP 704 in 1915
MP 702.1 in 1923
MP 702.1 in 1931 (ETT)

Red Dome (MP ???)

In service, 1895 to 1907
MP 710 in 1915

Matlin (MP 712.8)

33 cars capacity passing siding
2,948' siding
Wye track (1931)
In service, 1869 to 1942
not shown in 1942 employee timetable
MP 716.5 in 1909
MP 715 in 1915
MP 712.8 in 1923
MP 712.8 in 1931 (ETT)

Romola (MP ???)

In service, 1900 to 1907
MP 720 in 1915

Ombey (MP 722.6)

35 cars capacity passing siding
8,286' siding
In service, 1870 to 1942
not shown in 1942 employee timetable
MP 726.4 in 1909
MP 725 in 1915
MP 722.6 in 1923
MP 722.6 in 1931 (ETT)

Peplin (MP 727.3)

In service, 1890 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as spur, 43 cars capacity (2850 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as spur, 9 cars capacity
not shown in 1942 employee timetable
MP 731.1 in 1909
MP 730 in 1915
MP 727.3 in 1923
MP 727.3 in 1931 (ETT)

Zais (MP ???)

In service, 1902 to 1907
MP 734 in 1915

Kelton (MP 734.1)

In service, 1870 to 1942
Wye track (1931)
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 108 cars capacity (4686 feet)
Shown in 1931 and 1938 employee timetables with fuel oil refueling station for locomotives (no oil service shown in 1942 employee timetable)
Shown in 1931 and 1938 employee timetables with watering station for locomotives
SP received Utah PSC approval to close the agency at Kelton on June 12, 1939. Only one train per week on the Promontory Branch. (Utah PSC Case 2227)
MP 737.9 in 1909
MP 736 in 1915
MP 734.1 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Elinor (MP ???)

In service, 1902 to 1908
MP 741 in 1915

Seco (MP ???)

In service, 1870 to 1902
MP 744 in 1915

Nella (MP 743.9)

In service, 1902 to 1907
Not shown in 1909 employee timetable
Re-established at new MP 744 in 1915
In service, 1915 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as spur, 5 cars capacity
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as spur, 4 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable without siding or car capacity
MP 747 in 1915
MP 743.9 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Monument (MP 748.6)

In service, 1869 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 43 cars capacity (2850 feet)
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as spur, 9 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as spur, 9 cars capacity
MP 752.3 in 1909
MP 751 in 1915
MP 748.6 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Kosmo (MP 751.6)

In service, 1902 to 1907
Not shown in 1909
Re-established at MP 754.0 in 1913
In service, 1913 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as spur
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as spur, 5 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as spur, 5 cars capacity
MP 754 in 1915
MP 751.6 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Lake (MP 755.6)

In service, 1870 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity (3443 feet)
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as spur, 21 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as spur, 21 cars capacity
MP 759.3 in 1909
MP 758 in 1915
MP 755.6 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Metaurus (MP ???)

In service, 1899 to 1912
MP 763 in 1915

Centre (MP ???)

In service, 1875 to 1890
MP 766 in 1915

Rozel (MP 765.0)

In service, 1870 to 1942
Watering station for locomotives (1931)
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding (9384 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as siding, 19 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as siding, 19 cars capacity
MP 768.7 in 1909
MP 767 in 1915
MP 765.0 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Gravel Pit (MP ???)

In service, 1885 to 1890
MP 771 in 1915

Bronte (MP ???)

In service, 1899 to 1907
MP 771 in 1915

Promontory (MP 772.9)

In service as Terminus, 1869 to 1870
In service as Promontory, 1870 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 90 cars capacity (2520 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as siding, 90 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as siding, 32 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as siding, 32 cars capacity
MP 776.7 in 1909
MP 775 in 1915
MP 772.9 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Dathol (MP ???) (old location)

In service, 1902 to 1912
New location of Dathol at MP 796.5, 1916-1942
MP 778 in 1915

Surbon (MP 778.8)

In service, 1890 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 43 cars capacity (2850 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable, without siding or car capacity
Not shown in 1942 employee timetable
Non-agency station at Surbon closed on August 20, 1930. (Utah PSC Case 1285)
MP 782.5 in 1909
MP 781 in 1915
MP 778.0 in 1923
MP 778.8 in 1931 (ETT)

Blue Creek Section House (MP ???)

In service, 1887 to 1888
MP 784 in 1915

Lampo (MP 782.0)

In service as Kolmar, 1888 to 1912
In service as Lampo, 1912 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 34 cars capacity (3120 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as siding, 34 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as siding, 42 cars capacity
not shown in 1942 employee timetable
MP 785.7 in 1909
MP 784 in 1915
MP 782.0 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Blue Creek (MP 784.4)

In service, 1870 to 1942
Watering station for locomotives
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity (7762 feet)
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as siding, 18 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as siding, 18 cars capacity
MP 788.2 in 1909
MP 787 in 1915
MP 784.4 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Connor (MP 788.4)

In service as Eton, 1900 to 1905
In service as Hansen, 1905 to 1915
In service as Conner, 1915 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity (2900 feet)
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as neither siding nor spur
MP 792.2 in 1909
MP 791 in 1915
MP 788.4 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Balfour (MP 793.8)

In service as Quarry, 1870 to 1888 (possible MP 796.3)
In service as Balfour, 1888 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 44 cars capacity (2862 feet)
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as neither siding nor spur
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as siding, 20 cars capacity
MP 797.5 in 1909
MP 796 in 1915
MP 793.8 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Dathol (MP 796.5) (new location)

Same (?) as Rochforte (below)
In service, 1916 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 13 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as spur, 20 cars capacity
Old location of Dathol was at MP 778, from 1902 to 1912
MP 799 in 1915
MP 796.5 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Wyben (MP ???)

In service as Child, 1900 to 1902
In service as Wyben, 1902 to 1907
MP 799.25 in 1915

Stokes (MP 798.1)

In service, 1907 to 1942
Shown in 1931 employee timetable as spur, 225 cars capacity
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as spur, 232 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as spur, 232 cars capacity
MP 801.5 in 1909
MP 800 in 1915
MP 798.1 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Rochforte (MP 796.5)

In service as Rockfort, 1907 to 1908
Same (?) as Dathol (above)
Track still in place in 1914, as a side track
MP 804 in 1915
MP 796.5 in 1923

Corinne (MP 801.8)

In service, 1870 to 1942
Shown in 1923 employee timetable as siding, 54 cars capacity (8800 feet)
Shown in 1941 employee timetable as siding, 51 cars capacity
Shown in 1942 employee timetable as siding, 51 cars capacity
MP 805.0 in 1909
MP 804 in 1915
MP 801.8 in 1923
MP 801.3 in 1931 (ETT)
MP 801.8 in 1938 (ETT)
MP 801.3 in 1941 (ETT)
MP 801.3 in 1942 (ETT)

Corinne Junction (MP 802.9)

In service, 1907 to 1942
Connection to OSL Brigham City Cutoff after 1903
MP 806.6 in 1909
MP 805 in 1915
MP 802.9 in 1923 to 1942 employee timetables

Perry (MP 808.0)

Mile post approximate

Dayan (MP ???)

In service, 1902 to 1907
3.8 miles from Corinne Junction
MP 808 in 1915

Brigham/Zenda (MP ???)

In service as Brigham, 1870 to 1899
In service as Zenda, 1899 to 1936
In service as Brigham, UP (OSL) MP 21, 1936 to 1942
MP 812 in 1915

Gravel Pit (MP ???)

In service, 1885 to 1890
MP 812.5 in 1915

Edna (MP 809.0)

MP 812.7 in 1909 (ETT)
MP 809.0 in 1923, "additional station"

Willard/Willards (MP ???)

In service, 1870 to 1905
MP 813 in 1915

Rutlam (MP ???)

In service, 1902 to 1907
MP 814 in 1915

Bonneville (MP 815.9)

As shown in 1909 employee timetable
In service, 1870 to 1936
MP 819 in 1915
MP 815.9 in 1923

Utah Hot Springs (MP ???)

In service, 1894 to 1907
MP 821 in 1915

Cawdor (MP ???)

In service, 1900 to 1907
MP 825 in 1915

Chase (MP ???)

In service, 1883 to 1907
8.85 miles from Bonneville
MP 825.25 in 1915

Cecil Junction (MP 781.5) (via Lucin Cutoff)
Cecil Junction (MP 825.1) (via Promontory Line)

In service from 1907

R.G.W. Crossing (MP 829.0)

MP 829.0 in 1909 (ETT)

Ogden (MP 829.7)

As shown in 1909 employee timetable
MP 830 in 1915
MP 826.0 in 1923 (via Promontory Line)
MP 826.0 in 1931 (ETT, via Promontory Line)
MP 826.0 in 1938 (ETT, via Promontory Line)