Observation of Line Wires

[Miningman]

Different use of old passenger equipment, several of these were re-constructed, not as a comboose but for observation of line wires. 

Were similiar cars re-built and used this way in the States? Milwaukee?Great Northern? Pennsy?

Seems like a fairly smart idea, at least you don't kink your neck looking up all day long.

411513 Service car assigned to Communications Dept. (telegraph/telephone) it seldom moved from its track near 
West Toronto diamond. Two views: West Toronto c.1950's Jim Parker 
Unlike combooses (combine or combination car and caboose) the cupola was used for observation of line wires. 
Note: Penfound Varnish was one of the nearby local industries served by the CPR. 

This unique car was another example of how a piece of rolling stock changed rolls over the years. 
Built Angus 1/1911 as First Class coach 395 (ii) it was renumbered 695 in 11/1912.
In 1/1947 converted into Service car 411513. Scrapped 1968.
West Toronto depot in the background.

 

[pajrr]

NJ Transit took an old Lackawanna MU trailer car and put a glass bubble on the roof to inspect overhead catenary with. It was used for a few years until the car became a hazard due to rust / corrosion. 

[BaltACD]

Miningman

Different use of old passenger equipment, several of these were re-constructed, not as a comboose but for observation of line wires. 

Were similiar cars re-built and used this way in the States? Milwaukee?Great Northern? Pennsy?

Seems like a fairly smart idea, at least you don't kink your neck looking up all day long.

411513 Service car assigned to Communications Dept. (telegraph/telephone) it seldom moved from its track near 
West Toronto diamond. Two views: West Toronto c.1950's Jim Parker 
Unlike combooses (combine or combination car and caboose) the cupola was used for observation of line wires. 
Note: Penfound Varnish was one of the nearby local industries served by the CPR. 

This unique car was another example of how a piece of rolling stock changed rolls over the years. 
Built Angus 1/1911 as First Class coach 395 (ii) it was renumbered 695 in 11/1912.
In 1/1947 converted into Service car 411513. Scrapped 1968.
West Toronto depot in the background.

Vestibules on each end and forward facing windows for each vestibule.

[Miningman]

Great observation BaltACD...it almost looks like it's self powered but of course it is not. Wonder how many "observers" were present, maybe 2 forward in the enclosed vestibule's and 1 or 2 up in the cupola? 

I do not know much about these cars. I would suppose they carried tools and standard common replacement parts to do minor repairs as they went along. So maybe linesman as well. I believe these were used for telegraph and signal lines, so the cupola would be closer to the height of the wires. 

CPR also had electric lines in Southern Ontario which of course used catanery but not sure if these where used for that as well, but why not?

The cars were in service for the Communications Dept.

Here is another....a former beauty...all mahogany wood, inside and out!

Wonder if it ended up in someone's recreation room or some fine end tables.

411528 Communications Service car. Built May 1906 as Parlor MAGOG equipped with 28 loose lounge parlor chairs and 
a smoking room seating 6. It had a mahogany interior and exterior of varnished natural mahogany. October 1919 re# 6703. November 1950 converted to service car. Bill Thomson Similar cars were in use on Western Lines.