Our resident expert, Karl, might weigh in, but the limiting factor would be the posted speeds in the Employee Timetables for the specific spots. Looking at ETT #4, April 22, 1979, maximum speed anywhere was 55 mph, with the exception of trains #32 and 33; 60 mph except in certain areas. It looks like the timetable indicates the speed varied from 45 to 50 through about Webster Groves to Eureka then 50 through Pacific in specific areas, but varied between 40 and 50 in areas all the way to Springfield.
The 1979 timetable did not have train #39 listed. ETTs #2 and #3 from 1973 and 1975 list #39 but maximum speeds are the same as ETT #4 from 1979. If you go back to ETT #47, May 28, 1967, the maximum speed on the Rolla Sub is 55, no special call-out for any trains, but the limits otherwise are like in my post #4 above, basically 40 - 50 mph in certain locations.
I haven't figured out the reason, but late 76 or early 77, the Frisco moved some of the train numbers around. The #39 changed from a STL-DFW train to a KC-DFW train. If I remember right from ODS info, #39 carried MP traffic from KC to Ft Worth.
These videos bring back memories for me, like many of you have said as well. One of the memories for me anyways, was letting an engineer run his train, take pride in his job, and make up time when you can. I am telling ya a freight train moving 50-60 mph is moving right along, it may not sound fast, but you can cover a lot of territory pretty quick at 50 mph. How you run a freight train varies greatly between 40 and 60 mph, when you throttle up or squeeze the wheels, is different and can cost you some time if you get it wrong, even if you are powered up to make track speed, basically you better be paying attention and stay on top of your train. Or that old head conductor is gonna taking a bite out of you. A good dispatcher will know exactly when you should be lighting him up along they way. Another thing that comes to mind is the difference in all the whistle sounds, even with the same whistles, with the trumpets being in different stages of "fouled". I used to get some locos that it was down right embarrassing to blow the whistle they were so fouled, and sounded different every time you pulled the lever. Seeing a young lady beside the tracks recording and waiving at you was a definite plus for your day. Great videos, seeing all those long gone fallen flags was another bonus for sure. I will be watching these over and over.
