Built in 1921 (possibly 1918) by the New York Central's own Oswego shops in Oswego, this cupola caboose has a steel frame and a wood body. The original cost was estimated to be about $3,600.00. The car is 36 feet in length and was a very popular design on the NYC.
The caboose was used throughout the NYC system, but spent a good deal of its life working around the Rochester area. It is said to be one of the last wooden cabooses to be used on the NYC (later Penn Central) in 1972. The caboose was donated to the museum in December, 1986 after being sold in 1973 to a private individual who displayed the car in his yard. The caboose was brought in by truck to the museum complex in August 1987.
The caboose has been restored by members of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum including the application of all new tongue and groove siding, new windows, and a complete interior and exterior repainting. Work continues. Currently the caboose needs to have its roof replaced and some additional wood work. Your support can help speed up the work on this historic car and return it to active service.
