Where dome observation cars routinely utilized during passenger service? Also, as a modeler who insists on accuracy, where more than one dome observation passenger cars routinely added to passenger trains or was one dome observation car the standard?
AFAIK no the dome car would be conditional on the route and service. Commuter style trains would not have a dome car for example. Dome cars would often be part of trains that had very scenic routes or would be on the longer distance routes. Usually only the major carriers would buy them.
Jay
If you insist on accuracy then perhaps you can tell us what RR and approximate era you are trying to accurately model. If my memory serves me correctly I believe you are into NYC but not sure. The question’s your asking could give you all kinds of answers that you may or may not be searching out and cause for confusion.
Strata cars
Maybe this will help
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/rsList.aspx?id=BO
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=556636
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/rsList.aspx?id=BO&cid=7
But to know how the dome cars were used by a specific RR you need to find a roster of trains that that company ran which may include the car by car consist.
Vic gave you a good answer in that the dome’s were used to showcase the scenery. The UP and other western/southwestern roads ran multiple dome cars for there vista views. I believe the name ‘Vista Views’ was given to Budd’s dome cars. Here in the east the same applied for usage just not as many dome cars in one train. Still more than one car is acceptable. Pics can be found on the net with a little bit of searching. try UP dome cars.
If you want a dome car on your layout, get one. It’s your railroad. I enjoy seeing mine go around and the passengers show up well.
Here’s a low res pic of the Great Northern’s Empire Builder in Big Sky Blue, probably '67 or '68, on the Two Medicines Bridge near Glacier Park. As you can see, the Builder has at least three short domes and at least one “Great Dome” in this consist, others might be hidden in the cut.
Here’s a photo of the more familiar “Pumpkin” scheme of the GN, with the same three short domes mid train, and the Great Dome aft in the First Class section. This is the 1955 edition of the train.
If you want domes, go for it!