In this list of equipment owned by the Hawkinsville and Florida Southern RR, back in the day, I see a boarding car. What type car, I assume it was for passengers, was this, how did they differ from other passenger cars?
Jarrell
A quick search turned up the term “boarding car” in reference to what is also known as a bunk car for the MOW or construction workers. Which is probably why it shows up in the freight car section of the roster, it’s not a revenue passenger car. ‘Boarding’ as in ‘room and board’ instead of ‘the act of getting on board’
–Randy
I believe “boarding” here is being used not in the sense of gaining entry (“he boarded the train in Syracuse”) but more in the context of “room and board” - that is, a place for someone to eat and sleep…in this case apparently railroad workers. Back before good roads and automobiles, many rail lines passed thru very remote areas and if there was a track or bridge project that required extended work, the railroad would have to provide cars on a sidetrack for the workers to live in.
Hi Jarrell,
No, that boarding car is maintenance-of-way equipment, not a passenger car. It’s a car for workers to sleep in, and perhaps cook and eat in, while at a construction site. “Boarding” is used here in the same sense as in “boarding house.”
Merry Christmas,
Andy
You guys are exactly right. Duh, why didn’t I notice it was listed under freight cars and not passenger cars.
Thanks,
Jarrell
Check the “MCB Designation” in the first column. The Boarding Car is listed as a MW1, meaning (I assume) a Maintaince of Way type 1 car. The next 2 types are also classed as MWx cars. I also see that those cars were not assigned numbers.
Phil