This print was taken in 1910. Can't figure what the coach was used for. Looks like heaters on lower left. Don
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I'll take a guess--women's hair salon? 
Kent in SD
Is it a rr brake instruction car?
"Is it a rr brake instruction car?"
Possibly a motor man's instruction car for a subway or interuban line? ...DaveB
Looks like a "kit-bashed" trolly to me
It is a photo of a El car, probably New York, but could be Chicago. There is a GE C-6 controller and an M-1 or M-2 motormans brake valve by the front window. On the right is a set of air brake equipment. On the left near the roof is a set of power contactors. If the contractors were actually used to control this car they would spray arcs and hot metal on the interior of the car. It seems unlikely they are actually providing power to the motors. The brake equipment on the right appears to be several, maybe four car sets of equipment. It is probably a training car to train motorman on how the equipment on the cars work and how to trouble shoot it. Great photo.
The car was probably built as a steam loco pulled coach between 1870 and 1890 and was converted to an electric MU car between 1898 and 1910. Could have been built by Wason, Pullman or Gilbert.
Originally Posted by Two23:LOL
I'll take a guess--women's hair salon?
Kent in SD
Don, that sure is an interesting (and very sharp) old photo. 
Reading what David said above, I agree with him. This actually also looks like the training car that's being restored at the Railroad Museum in Strasburg. There would be areas in the car that would be multiple setups for various braking and other functions.
The woman who showed me the car was also saying that someone in the museum actually worked in one of those, and lots of railroad workers tried their hardest to not be sent to one of these for remedial work, especially in the summer, since they weren't ventilated too well!
OK, OK, I think your right. If you look up there are straps for passengers. This is from a 8x10 negative, that's why it's so sharp. Good going guys. Don
I have NO idea what this car is, or is used for, but on the deck, left side, about mid car, is a spittoon!!!!
Ralph
Good eye, RJL!
