Here are a couple of questions on the traffic observed over Donner:

1. On a fairly regular basis one of the eastbound auto trains (symbol?) contains from a handful to 30 or so tank cars, sometimes in front, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the end of the racks. Since racks and tanks appear to be a very incongrous combination with obviously different origins and destinations, can anybody provide the inside scoop on this strange combination?

2. Also on a regular basis, various general freight symbols contain ones and twos or threes of auto racks mixed with other general merchandise traffic. Since racks can only be utilized at very specific origins and destinations, how do so many isolated cars get mixed into general freight, especially when leaving one of the largest switching and blocking centers in the country at Roseville?

I am sure there are logical (or illogical but realistic) explanations and offer thanks in advance to those who may be able to shed some light!

Ralph