Universal – International

HEY, ABBOTT!! Southern Pacific Railroad trotted out at least two different steam locomotives, a short mix of freight cars and an ancient wooden caboose for filmmakers to use in this month’s movie. In addition, there is a brief scene at what MIGHT be Cucamonga, CA (judging by the depot sign) featuring an old heavyweight observation car.

A brief plot outline: It’s 1912. Harry (played by Bud Abbott) and Willie (played by Lou Costello) are swindled into buying the Edison Movie Studio (a la buying the Brooklyn Bridge) from a crooked movie director/con man. Now broke, the boys hobo west to Hollywood, hoping to catch said crook and get their money back.

Lots of harrowing stunts involving moving trains in this one, hopefully employing stunt doubles for A & C. Let’s check it out.

SP X2085 pops out of Chatsworth tunnel. After much squinting at various runbys, I believe this is an SP 2-6-0 “M class” Mogul with all Southern Pacific markings carefully painted out. The number 2085 does not match any steam locomotive on their 2-6-0 roster. More about that later.