Ah, thanks for that link. I started with the second picture in the OP and read bits and pieces of it's story on a dozen sites. Your link repeats what I'd read about the cars being used as housing at the end of WW I. When I made the post I couldn't find that site(not yours) again, so I went with the Wiki story about the rag and bone guys using them for shops. That bit was why I had the San Diego example of repurposed housing as the result of war.
Your link says 40 people per car, I'd assume they had seating although maybe not for everyone. Hmm, maybe not, if some are standing the seated people can't see. I noticed that on a tour boat where some stood at the rail, but I digress.
