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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.
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.
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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