Re: Cupola seats for Rio Grande (short) Class 2 Cabeese

So, when we surveyed the remains of 0579 before the restoration, we found this.


I always considered 0578 the exception, but now I wonder even more why 0577 and 0578 were set up this way. I've always thought the the caboose interiors evolved greatly over the years as they were modified by the local terminals. I doubt they made routine visits to Alamosa to be maintained. Maybe for major design changes such as the one window to two conversions that happened in the '40's. But no two that exist now seem to have consistent interiors.

But why the "laydown seats?" Seems like that would be very uncomfortable. But then again, the short cabooses, especially in later years didn't seem to be used on long distance trains. But I could be wrong.

Does anyone here have any opinions on this topic?

Bill Kepner