Every caboose is different!

I am convinced there was no standard plan for the short cabooses over the last 30 years of the use on the Rio Grande. The interior on every one I've looked at is different, shows different methods of construction, and in some cases, evidence of some kind of mishap. In 0579, we found in the stove and cupola area, 3 separate areas with fire damage. I am speculating, but I would expect modifications were made at their local terminal, and that they never went "home" to Denver or Alamosa for needed work. So there was a lot of improvising. Maybe 20 years ago, the would be some ex-Rio Grande people we could consult with, but the ones that helped me back then aren't available any more. I believe 0577 spent most of its time around Montrose, so perhaps they were making modifications in that part of the interior and just happened to have some wood from another car. There probably wasn't any money available for repairs, so if they couldn't scrounge materials, the equipment was abandoned.

Mike, are you working with WRC on this? Is there any way I could come up and see it before you get to far into the restoration?

Bill Kepner



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2016 07:47AM by drgw0579.