If they still used the upper-sash window arrangement, this is would be a clear argument that they were intended to be used in trains where wood and steel equpment was mixed and uniformity of appearance was required. But I am surprised that the New Haven had such Pullman equipment, because in 1907 they were ordering steel open platform MU cars for their initial electrification, of course without scribing. Possibly for some through service on a name train with the B&M or the NYC?
Hi Dave -
It’s interesting, but some cars (especially private-owner cars) used upper-sash windows into the mid-to-late 20s, while most mainline RR cars/Pullman company service cars had gone to the single-sash arrangement by the late teens. As for the assignment data I provided, recall that this is the initial assignment of the car(s) - don’t have any idea how long this may have lasted. There were also upper sash window steel cars that were not scribed - had riveted sheets above and below the belt rail.
Regarding the specific matter of composite (wood-steel) cars built for the Santa Fe, here’s what the Pullman lot list offers: a total of 65 cars built in eight lots during 1911 and 1912 are noted as having steel underframes. Included were 8 diners, 3 buffet cars, 4 buffet-baggage cars, 15 smokers, 10 chair cars, 14 coaches , 10 mail-smokers and one baggage-coach. The first all-steel cars Pullman built for the Santa Fe are listed as 10 baggage cars dating to 1911 in Lot 3925. Thereafter, 35 all-steel coaches in lot 4121 of 1913.
Of course, this is just what Pullman built for the road. I’ve asked one of the AT&SF Society members about company-built cars and what the other builders might have supplied in the way of composite cars. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.
Composite cars were still being built into the early 20s. There are Pullman builders photos of horse cars for Arms that are wood bodied-steel underframe jobs. Some of these were built new, while other lots were reconstructions of older cars.
Your list would explain the fishbellies, and it is interesting that the Santa Fe would modernize such cars with steam-ejector air-conditioning, big restrooms and reclininng seats. I just received in the mail a photo from my friend Karl Groh in Florida of the original sample New York Central mu car for the GCT electrification. It is all steel, of course no scribing, but (for a commuter car, yet!) semi-arched upper sash windows with leaded glass. Of course by the time I got around to riding those cars in the late 30’s, the upper sash had been plated over.
In terms of upper sash usage, was always amazed that it hung around as long as it did! For example, those St. Louis-built cars for the AE&FRE in 1923, lightweight, double-truck cars, but still with arched, upper sash. Still, surprisingly tasteful in a modern car design.