Trains of the Howard Branch are ideal for the modeler. Most trains were short and with an average 20 mph speed, they were in no hurry. Below are photos of the 1948-50 era taken from James Burke's wonderful book, The Iron Horse and I. A special thanks to Richard Hendrickson who has helped identify cars in the consists.

James Burke reports that during the 1947-52 period, "There was no regular traffic on the Howard Branch other than mixed trains 95 and 96. There were occasional stock extras and work trains and even rarer rock (limestone) extras."

1014 followed by a tank, UP 1937 AAR 40' box, postwar AAR 40' box, two ATSF Caswell gons, a nearly new NP 40' PS-1, more gons, and a wood combine. Date: 1949.

1015 followed by Frisco USRA composite gon, ATSF Caswell gon, and taller Caswell with wine door mechanism. Date: 1948.

1018, 2 single deck stock cars (SK-R, T, or U), and combine.

1079, UTLX Class 8 6500 gal ARA II tank (Fuel oil for Howard), 4 empty Caswell gons (lime), 2 boxes (wheat for Texas), empty tank, combine 2601. March 3, 1950.

1830, flat of farm equipment, 3 ATSF gondolas, box, 3 more gons, combine. 1951.

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