Nevada Northern Caboose #3

The caboose is an enduring symbol of American Railroading. They were a place for the rear-end crew to ride, keeping an eye on the train and holding spare parts for running repairs. In the 1980’s, lineside detectors and end-of-train devices made the caboose obsolete, resulting in their disappearance.

In January 1909, the Nevada Northern ordered three 8-wheeled all-wood cabooses from the Mt, Vernon Car Co., #3, #4, and #5. These would augment two other 8-wheeled cabooses (#1 & #2, purchased new 1906 from American Car & Foundry). The three cars arrived at the Cobre interchange mid-February 1909, and quickly were put to work.

Unlike #1 & #2, which had cupolas at one end, the Mt. Vernon cabooses had cupolas slightly off-center, creating an asymmetrical design. Like #1 & #2, these cabooses were equipped with side doors for loading of freight, and a small passenger section. The side doors were removed from the cabooses at an unknown date.

#3-5 were also equipped with swing-bolster arch bar trucks. This results in a ride that can be smoother than even the 1972-built Caboose #6 gives. Of note is that rather than canvas sunshades, the sunshades on the cupola of #3 are wooden.

As outfitted today, the short end has a conductor’s desk with an Aladdin lamp, a coal bin, and a small Southern Pacific stove. Storage lockers make up the bottom of the cupola, with grab irons forming the ladders. Wooden seats are apparent in the cupola, but a bench has been installed on top of the seats. The longer end has bench seating along the walls which double as more storage compartments, an ice chest, and a stretcher box.

The first of the Mt. Vernon cabooses was removed from the roster in 1921, with #5 being retired and remodeled into a passenger shelter for McGill. #4, along with ACF-built #2, were retired in 1936 due to being unfit for service. This left Caboose #3 to handle all freight duties with #1.

However, Caboose #1 was damaged beyond repair in 1939 when the Main Line Passenger train ran into the rear of the freight train at Raiff (MP 100.2). This left Caboose #3 as the sole Nevada Northern caboose. As a temporary measure, Combine #05 (twin to Outfit Car #06) was modified for freight service, and was used as a backup.

Caboose #3 gained an official running mate when in 1945 the Nevada Northern purchased Utah Copper Co. Caboose #018. This 1924-built caboose was renumbered #5 (2nd), and over time it took the role of primary caboose thanks to its steel frame. Additionally, at some point in the late-1950’s early-60’s an additional step was added onto the bottom of #3’s steps.

By the time 1972 rolled around, Caboose #3 had been serving the Nevada Northern for 63 years. Following the purchase of Caboose #6 (2nd) from International Car Co., Caboose #3 was retired from regular service in November 1972. Rather than demolish the caboose, #3 was stored.

Restored to its 1940-50s appearance, Caboose #3 makes occasional forays out on the main line, mainly bringing up the rear of photo freights. Other occasions see it being used for charters or fulfilling a need for crew space on other freight trains.