[CBQ] Mopac 5BR Lounge on Twin Cities Zephyr

[<mcaff1@htc.net>]

On page 76 of the most recent issue of Classic Trains, there is a picture of 
the TCZ arriving at St. Paul.   In the consist ahead of the parlor obs and flat 
top parlor is a MP 5BR Lounge car.  I have seen other photos of the TCZ with 
the MP cars in the consist, so this does not appear to be a one off event.
 

 The MP Yahoo group is wondering why the cars were being used on the TCZ.  Were 
the bedrooms needed for additional parlor space or were the lounge facilities 
needed to augment the regular equipment?  The cars had no assignments on the MP 
at this time, as their service on the Texas Eagle was eliminated in the 1961 
timeframe. 
 

 Can anyone provide information that would help to explain the cars use?  I 
will pass the info on to the MP group.
 
Thanks,
 

 Mike Cafferata