Thoughts from Gap

running the branch train as a mixed is a good idea. CN did this on many branch lines in the 50's. Psgr cars could include a coach,a baggage car or combination car for mail/lcl express/baggage.These were on the tail end of the train of course.

The mixed could be run from the end point on the branch six days a week alternating the destination yard and having it return shortly after arrival back to the branch. This type of operation was very common in steam days. Running it this way avoids having the confusion of cars dropped at Lincoln 

Never thought about running the branchline train from Ortona. Cards could be there and passenger cars could be stored there also. May work.