Tripple Decker Bunk house on wheels

[Anonymous]

I read in an old book about the three-deck rolling bunk houses - the homes for laborers during 1877, there about. I've tried to find pictures on the web but haven't been able to. Does anyone have a source on this - more nfo, etc.??

[bobbygreg]

In the book Hear the Train Blow, by Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg there is a drawing showing such cars. States they were used by the Great Northern on construction trains. I read some where else that there were ropes attached to the upper corners of the cars to tie them down to prevent them from being blown over by praire winds. Also in the above book it states when they reached the mountains they cut them down so they would go through the tunnels. Also I seem to remember a picture of some that were used by the Milwaukee Road, but I can't recall where I saw the picture. Hope this helps a little.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. The triple deckers had to a trial, but guess they did need some place to live. They sure wouldn't fit under some of the bridges!! Ouch! Trains are so interesting.

[bobbygreg]

I found the article on triple deck bunk cars, Jan 1968 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. A how to build a model article with a couple of pictures plus drawing and pictures of completed model the author built . I can make a copy if you want it.

[Anonymous]

I managed to find this picture showing some. These were referred to as dormitory cars. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd love a copy of the article! The photo of the triple decker is great too!! Thank you both.