troop sleeper united_states railroad terminology troop sleeper railroad passenger car constructed serve mobile barracks essentially sleeping car transporting troops distances sufficient require overnight accommodations method allowed trip overnight reducing transit time required increasing travel efficiency history background development december june railroads carried million armed services personnel cars coaches available meet massive need troop transit created world war late contracted build troop american car build troop kitchen cars new rolling stock converted existing built scratch based standard single steel designs constructed entirely steel heavily reinforced ends instances baggage cars converted temporary kitchen cars complete order cars painted standard green gold lettering surf line trains consisting trailer cars owned bearing markings fitted conventional end pressed service handle additional passenger loads equipped special high speed swing motion trucks troop designed fully passenger equipment units came equipped end doors similar found standard railway cars loading unloading passengers accomplished wide doors positioned center cars built trap doors steps light ventilation provided window units mounted equipped rolling black shades wire screens troop generally intended use enlisted personnel equipped stacked high slept servicemen plus porter passenger provided separate bed complete sheets changed daily laid cross wise arrangement placed aisle car opposed center upper fixed middle lower sections seating daytime weapon racks provided group mounted end car delivered hot cold running water cars came outfitted enclosed toilets drinking water cooler troop troop rolling joined trains provide meal service route troops took meals seats cooking performed regular cars outfitted army standard coal ranges cars equipped pair cold water tanks hot water tank supplies stocked open shelves marine type bread locker large series built cars served approximately men typically placed middle train food served ends troop hospital cars based troop sleeper transported wounded servicemen typically travelled solid strings special trains averaging cars patients arranged central section car tiers section isolation cases private compartments special cases unit ice air came fitted shower room modern kitchen latest equipment preservation troop cars saw service sold railroads subsequently converted mail cars express service cars remained sleeper configuration use maintenance way service cars maintenance workers subsequent conflicts created need arrangement partially smaller level manpower involved primarily wider use aircraft long distance transportation troops today preserved troop seen railroad museums united_states troop sleeper display baltimore purchased surplus work trains crew quarters museum restored original outside appearance inside half beds half displays war
Troop sleeper