[RITSlist] Dormitory Accomodations for Dining Car Crews.

[Steve and Barb Hile]

Between 1947 and 1956, the Rock Island made several conversions to provide dormitory space for (apparently) dining car service personnel.  (In addition to car 820 which was built as a baggage dormitory for the Golden State.)

Mesa Verde and Pikes Peak were converted in 1947 and had their RPO apartment replaced, partially, with dormitory space for 10 (Pikes Peak) or 12 (Mesa Verde.)  Does anyone know why the difference?

Then Cornhusker was coverted in 51.  The women's lounge became dormitory space for 6.  Does anyone know where it was assigned, and why?  If it went to the Rocky Mountain Rocket, what was its counterpart on the other trainset.

Then, in 1953, coaches 320, 321 and 322 (Jonquil, Carnation and Magnolia) were converted to house 12 bunks each in dormitory service.  Where were these assigned?  The Trains "Limon Shuffle" article shows Carnation in the consist with Pikes Peak.

Finally, in 56, when Thunder Mountain and Phantom Valley were squared off and coverted to parlor lounges, they each acquired an 8 bunk dormitory.  The 1958 consists would indicate that each trainset would include both the dorm space in the club diner (to Colorado Springs) and the parlor lounge (to Denver with the diner.)  This, at least, makes sense.  But what assignments were then used for Cornhusker and the three flowers?  Zephyr Rocket?  Twin Star Rocket?

I would appreciate any available information?  It would be interesting to know more about crew assignments for long distance passenger trains.

Thanks in advance for any help.

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