The last car on a freight train was known as the caboose. This car served a number of functions. Furnished with bunks, chairs, toilet, sink, stove, and storage space, it was the “home” for the train’s crew. In addition, it was a storehouse for provisions, spare parts, first aid kits, lanterns, and a shop. The Heritage Station Museum in Pendleton, Oregon has an old Union Pacific caboose on display.
The conductor was the “boss” of the train and was responsible for seeing that cars were delivered to the right destinations. The caboose served as the conductor’s office.
According to the Museum display:
“Before the invention of automatic air brakes and electric signals, a brakeman and flagman rode in the caboose. In those days, the engineer signaled the caboose with his whistle when he wanted to slow down or stop. A brakeman would climb out and make his way forward, twisting the brakewheels on top of the cars with a stout club. Another brakeman, riding in the engine, would work his way toward the rear. Once the train was stopped, the flagman would descend from the caboose and walk back to a safe distance with lanterns, flags, and other warning devices to stop any approaching trains.”
The cupola on top of the caboose provided a lookout where the trainmen could watch for smoke from overheated wheel journals (hot boxes) and other signs of trouble. According to the Museum display:
“Their job was to alert the engineer when they spotted problems. Until friction bearings were replaced by roller bearings, the most common problem was overheated hot boxes which could cause derailments. Later, electronic hot boxes were installed along the main lines and could check the moving train more efficiently and reliably than the men could. Technological advances led to the demise of the caboose.”
Union Pacific Caboose 25065 was retired in December 1988 and moved to the Heritage Station Museum in 1989.
Museums 101
Museums 101 is a series of photo tours of various museum displays. More about railroads from this series:
Museums 101: Railroad Memorabilia (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Railroad Handcars and Motorcars (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Whitefish Railroad Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: A Collection of Railroad Artifacts (Photo Diary)