About 1950 (can't remember the exact year) CPR acquired 50 of these
steel cabooses with the sloped centre cupola, and another 50 with a
more conventional perpendicular centre cupola. Many from both orders
were later converted to run-through cabooses, with generators, etc.,
and could be easily distinguished from the newer cabooses because they
did not have welded sides.
When converted for run-through service, the small sloped cupolas were
replaced by extended width cupolas, probably identical to those on the
new cabooses. The ones with vertical sided cupolas retained them
(just as the upgraded end-cupola cabooses did). The window placement
on the main carbody stayed as original.
Not all were converted; the last of the sloped cupola versions was
seen in a line of junked cabooses at Sortin Yard (Montreal) in the
late 90's. The brass model produced by Overland used measurements
taken from this caboose. I understand they felt rather cramped, and I
think a very high proportion of the sloped cupolas were converted.
As to where they ran, all I can suggest is browse through pictures
from the era. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that they were
widely distributed around the system, although due to the relatively
small numbers there would obviously be some gaps.
John
--- In cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Mike McGrattan" <samuelridge@...> wrote:
I have seen a few photo's of CPR steel side center cupola vans with
slanted sides and faces on the cupola; never a close up of one; in fact
it's odd that the few shots I've seen are always from a distance. Does
anyone have photos/diagrams of these vans and have any information on
their origin/build date/area of use etc....
Many thanks in advance.