SP Black Widow F7's with an Owl

from American-Rails.com

Southern Pacific F7A #6444 arrives at Saugus, California with train #58, the southbound "Owl," circa 1956. The overnight service between San Francisco/Oakland - Los Angeles is nearing the completion of its run. (Gordon Glattenberg photo.)

The Owl was a secondary Southern Pacific train that certainly carried an appropriate name.   It operated on an overnight schedule between Los Angeles and San Francisco/Oakland where it began service just prior to the 20th century. 

For many years it was the railroad's only overnight run between the two cities, operating along the San Joaquin Route.  However, its unique standing was short-lived with the inauguration of the all new, Lark during the early 20th century. 

The Owl was normally assigned coaches only and, of course, several Pullman sleepers.  During its tenor it was predominantly a heavyweight affair  As ridership declined the train was slowly cutback and made its final run during the 1960s, interestingly only a few years before the SP also cancelled the once-proud Lark as well.

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