Old Time Radio Westerns: "Cattle Train" – The Cisco Kid (01-27-55)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this classic restored episode of The Cisco Kid, titled "Cattle Train," Cisco and his loyal friend Pancho find themselves embroiled in a battle of sabotage, greed, and western justice as they step in to protect a small-time cattleman and his shipment. Set against the backdrop of the booming cattle industry and rising railroad empires, the episode explores themes of frontier rivalry, integrity, and the lengths to which the wicked will go to stifle fair competition.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setting the Stage (03:00–04:55)

• Backdrop: The cattle boom and the fight for railroad transport rights.
• Conflict Start: Powerful cattleman Barney Rankin, along with his ruthless sidekick Mose Dillon and several cowboys, rides to confront John Sawyer, a smaller cattle owner, who's secured a coveted railroad car for his modest herd.
  • Rankin: “I won't stand for no competition in this here valley.” (03:53)
  • Mose Dillon: "Say the word, boss, and I'll gun them both down for you." (04:11)

2. Violence and Rivalry (04:55–06:00)

• Rankin’s men ambush and brutally beat John Sawyer and his hand, Ed Beale, leaving them incapacitated and unable to load their cattle.
  • Ed Beale: "Whatever you got to say, Rankin, make it short. Ed and I got work to do before that train gets in." (04:27)
  • Rankin: “Your cattle ain’t going on that train. I say so.” (04:37)

3. Cisco and Pancho Intervene (06:23–09:15)

• Cisco and Pancho discover the aftermath of the attack and come to the aid of Sawyer and Ed.
  • Cisco: “Senor, you are in no condition to work. Come, we will take you home. You can tell us the story on the way.” (06:55)
• Cisco offers to help load Sawyer’s cattle and deal with the threat from Rankin.

4. Showdown at the Loading Pen (09:15–12:20)

• Cisco, Pancho, and Ed return to face Rankin, who tries to assert his dominance.
  • Cisco (to Rankin): "Senor Sawyer's cattle go on this car. Make no mistake about that." (10:27)
  • Rankin: “Oh, no, they don’t. Not unless you want to tangle with me.” (10:36)
• Cisco’s quick draw and firm stance cause Rankin to back down... for now.

5. Rankin’s Sabotage Plot (12:21–14:45)

• On the moving train, Rankin and Mose scheme to sabotage Sawyer's cattle car by uncoupling it during the climb over a mountain pass, ensuring it would roll back out of control.
  • Mose Dillon: “When she hits that curve at the foot of the grade, she’ll leave the track. Guess that'll end your competition, boss.” (13:58)

6. Runaway Cattle Car – High Tension Action (14:50–17:10)

• Cisco, growing suspicious, follows the train with Pancho. They spot the sabotage just as the cattle car becomes a runaway, heading towards a collision with an oncoming express.
• Dramatic rescue as Cisco leaps onto the disconnected car to apply the brake.
  • Pancho: “What we do? What we do, huh?” (14:26)
  • Cisco: “There's only one thing to do–get on board that car and try to stop it with the handbrake.” (14:37)
  • Ed Beale (relieved): “Great Thunder. That express stopped not more than 10 feet away.” (17:00)
  • Pancho: “My knees are weak. I ain't got no knees left.” (17:04)

7. Justice and Final Confrontation (17:10–25:10)

• Cisco and Pancho alert the conductor about the sabotage and pursue Rankin and Mose.
• After a tense standoff and gunplay, Cisco bests Mose Dillon in a fistfight and secures the villains for arrest.
  • Cisco (to Rankin and Dillon): “If you do not come out of there, I’m going to send some bullets in to get you.” (21:30)
  • Rankin (cowardly): “No, don’t shoot. We’ll come out.” (21:38)
  • Conductor: “Cisco, I reckon you're the fightingest fool I ever saw in all my born days.” (22:28)

8. Resolution and Frontier Wisdom (25:10–27:20)

• Cisco assures John Sawyer justice will be served, and honest men like Sawyer have a place in the new West:
  • Cisco: “The dishonest men are far fewer than those who are honest. And you are honest.” (26:39)
• Classic comedic exchange between Cisco and Pancho lightens the mood, as Pancho recounts a tale about Big Maria’s “dog shop.” (27:24–28:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Your cattle ain’t going on that train. I say so.” – Barney Rankin (04:37)
• “There’s only one thing to do—that is to get on board that car and try to stop it with the handbrake.” – Cisco (14:37)
• “Great Thunder. That express stopped not more than 10 feet away.” – Ed Beale (17:00)
• “Cisco, I reckon you're the fightingest fool I ever saw in all my born days.” – Conductor (22:28)
• “The dishonest men are far fewer than those who are honest. And you are honest.” – Cisco (26:39)
• [Light-hearted closing] “So Big Maria sell him the biggest dog what she got... The big dog sleep! ...She send him a little dog to wake up the big dog.” – Pancho (28:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Conflict Established: 03:00–06:00
• Cisco & Pancho Arrive: 06:23–09:15
• Loading Confrontation: 09:15–12:20
• Sabotage on the Train: 12:21–14:45
• Runaway Car Action: 14:50–17:10
• Capture & Justice: 21:00–25:10
• Resolution/Closing Humor: 27:14–28:09

Summary and Final Thoughts

“Cattle Train” exemplifies the best of old-time radio westerns, blending suspenseful action, a battle between good and evil, and a spirit of camaraderie. The Cisco Kid, chivalric and witty, embodies justice as he thwarts the corrupt Rankin, ensuring the underdog prevails. Classic comedic banter with Pancho ensures the tradition of heartwarming levity, leaving listeners with a sense of triumph and timeless frontier wisdom.

For further adventures:
Find more restored episodes at otrwesterns.com.