I'm doing research into the passenger operations of the Santa Fe Railroad between 1937 and 1955 for my own purposes. I'm using the book 'A Quarter Century of Santa Fe Consists' as a guide, and I've run across an entry that lists a diner as "overflow". Since it's coupled to a Lightweight 36-seat diner, I assume it's simply being used as overflow seating, but I want to ensure I'm not missing any details about its operations. Was wondering if anyone here might be able to elaborate on how this worked exactly.

Thanks,

MS

The carriers knew from historical passenger loadings, how many passengers could comfortably be fed in a dining car. This was based on the available seat count in the car, the storage in the car for food stuffs, linens, etc. There is not an endless amount of storage in the cars, particularly for perishables. They also knew how many times they could "turn-over" a car meaning how many seating per meal period could be reliably counted on. When the projected passenger load met a certain count criteria that exceeded the known ability of a single car, a second, additional or "overflow" diner would be added to insure that everyone could be fed, that the crew did not have to work continuously from one meal period right into the next one and that the passengers were getting the same quality, high level of service. As you are specifically studying the Santa Fe, they consistently practiced a high level of service and passenger satisfaction. There is nothing worse than waiting for hours on a crowded train for a meal and then not being able to be served or having the car's supply of menu items being exhausted. Tours or large groups could also trigger the addition of an overflow diner. Daily transportation notices were issued to all concerned departments and their respective managers detailing extra or expected heavy travel and all were aware of what to anticipate and how to prepare for unusual conditions.

Thank you!

I couldn't find any historical data online about it, and even though I'm sure the SFRRHS could've helped me understand it better, I'm ready to take the plunge and join just yet. So thank you again.

MS