Caboose 28, along with twin 27, was built by the EBT in 1920 in the Rockhill shops. They are hybrid cars with steel frames but wood floors, walls and roofs. These two cabooses, along with the late caboose 26 and combines 14 and 15, served as the fleet of tail-end cars on the EBT.
After the start of tourist operations, both cabooses were soon returned to service to haul passengers, and have done so for the past four decades. Although 28 received green paint and plush seat covers to fit in with the tourist train, it remains in its common carrier configuration.
During the operating season the cabooses, particularly #28, are stored outdoors. Over the years the Pennsylvania weather has taken it toll on the car and the siding was in a very bad state. The siding was literally falling apart. The railroad asked FEBT late last year if there was anything they could do with the car before the 2004 season.
In response, FEBT instituted special Winter work sessions for the caboose with a limited crew experienced restoration workers. The car was spotted in the Car Shop rather than the storage barn and during the January and February sessions the siding and platforms of the cars were stripped down. The wall structures were found to be in good shape but the platform decks were badly corroded. With this discovery, the group had to grind off dozens of rivets to remove the remains of the old steel deck. New steel was acquired and formed as needed.
This week's Restoration Pic of the Week features the work to get those sheets ready for installation. This work proceeded during the special February session and the regular March session. The work includes cutting the sheets to size, grinding down the edges and drilling dozens and dozens of holes to reattach equipment. Before the next work session the platform decks will be welded into place as needed and then installation of the siding, wood deck, window frames, ladders, grab irons and the like can proceed. But that is a subject for another Pic of the Week.
There is something really neat about rebuilding the car in the very building in which it was constructed 84 years ago.
More photos of work on the caboose can be found at these URLs:
[www.febt.org]
[bsulliva.oozy.ws]
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The Rockhill Restoration Crew works to restore the structures and facilities of the East Broad Top Railroad National Historic Landmark in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania. Won't you consider joining us? No matter your skill level there are tasks you can perform to help us make a difference. Find out how to join at:
[www.febt.org]
The Rockhill Restoration Crew schedule for 2004 is as follows:
March 13-14
May 1-2
May 22-23
June 12-13
July 10-11
August 1-2
August 14-15 (Community Appreciation Weekend)
August 28-29
September 25-26
November 6-7
Chris Coleman, FEBT Webmaster
[www.febt.org]
