what was the relation of the osl to the up; where did it run and di it use different motive power than up? thanks in advance for any answers.

OSL (Oregon Short Line) was bought by the UP early in the 1900's and the OSL engines had UP type engines and for years had OSL on the back of the tenders over the engine numberss and in small letters OSL at the bottom of the cab sides. The OSL ran from Pocatello to I believe Oregon and maybe into Portland. If you like I and look up more precise info for you. Ed

One interesting difference between the OSL and the UPRR proper was that they used a different rule book. UPRR used its own rule book, while OSL used the Consolodated Code of Operating Rules, which was used by the GN, SP&S, and NP in the Northwest. OSL crews used NP, SP&S, and GN track in the Northwest, notably between Portland and Seattle. I'm not sure if the Milwaukee Road also used the Consolodated Code, but they also shared track with the OSL.

I believe it was the OWR&N (Oregon, Washington, Railroad, and Navigation) that ran between Portland and Seattle. They were part of UP just like the OSL in the early 1900's. Ed

thanks for the good answers.