I can find references to the Car Builder's Dictionary (later the Car Builder's Dictionary and Cyclopedia) published in 1879 (extensively available as a reprint), revised versions published 1881, 1888, 1919, etc. The gap between 1888 and 1919 is very long, and covers the critical wood-to-steel transition years. Which other years was the Car Builder's Dictionary published?

I am particularly interested in borowing [or buying?] a copy from the 1900-1908 period, to help Wes Swift with interior restoration research on Yosemite Valley RR wooden parlor-observation car #330 http://www.yv330.com.

Thanks! - Doug Debs

The Carbuilders Dictionary was published in the years:
1879
1884
1888
1895
1903
1906
1909
1912
1916

Car Builders Dictionary and Cyclopedia in 1919

Car Builders Cyclopedia:
1922
1925
1928
1931
1937
1940
1943
1946
1949-51
1963
1957
1961

Car and Locomotive Cyclopedia:
1966
1970
1974
1980
1984
1997

Newton K. Gregg, the publisher that reprinted a lot of material from various Cycs back in the seventies, also reprinted a couple of complete books, one being the 1906 car Builder's Dictionary. I have one, but am not giving it up, sorry. However, being a reprint, it should be much more available than an original on the used market, and in much better shape. Looking at my copy, it was "republished" in 1971, and the ISBN number is 0-912318-15-5. Ir was printed in West Germany on high quality paper.

Also, I believe that Google Books has digitized the 1903 edition. A Google search should turn something up.

Search books.google.com and you will find a download of the 1903 Car Builders Cyclopedia.

Robert Yuill

Many thanks to Paul D., Dennis Storzek, and Robert Yuill for the comprehensive and most informative replies!
- Doug Debs

Ahh, Brother Yuill ... Another perfectly good evening wasted. The wife had to pull the pin on the Anti-Foam, aim and sweep until all was extinguished.