Except for the 9015 ex GM car, all of UP's observations were built as "square-end" vs the "round-end" that was the norm on all other dome-observation cars. The only other "square-ends" were 4 on CBQ built later than the balance of their fleet for Denver & Kansas City "Zephyr" service.
All 15 of the dome-blunt-end observation cars with bar and 37-passenger lounge were ordered by the Union Pacific from American Car & Foundry (St. Charles, MO) in November of 1952, built in Lot 4096, and delivered in February, March, and April of 1955. Union Pacific paid ACF $250,000 for each car.
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Five of the cars, 9005-9009, were initially assigned to the "City of Portland," jointly operated by the Union Pacific and Chicago & North Western until October 30, 1955, and by the Union Pacific and Milwaukee Road from October 30, 1955 until April 30, 1971.
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All 15 cars in the series were remodeled to straight dome-lounge cars just over a year after being delivered. In the process, total lounge capacity was reduced from 37 to 34. All cars lost their Mars and back up lights and marker lights. Observation-end doors were changed and the rearmost of the two-door sets was eliminated entirely. Observation rear-facing windows were blanked out, the colorful neon "City of Portland" tailsigns were removed, diaphragms were added, and all 15 of the dome-observation cars in the 9000-9014 series were consigned to mid-train service. (above courtesy John Kuehl)
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