THE COLFAX CABOOSE

Our Mission: Using displays, images and docent discussions, educate new generations in the once essential but nearly forgotten role the caboose played in railroad operations through the years.

DID YOU KNOW?   The freight train caboose was the office on wheels for the train conductor who was in charge of the train.  The rear brakeman rode in the caboose cupola where he could watch for problems in or on the cars ahead.  Cabooses could be found on the rear of nearly every freight train until they began disappearing in the 1960’s and ’70’s.  Instead of a caboose modern freight trains have an electronic monitoring device on the end of the train sometimes known as FRED (flashing rear end device)..

The Colfax caboose serves as a stage for keeping the history and memories alive for cabooses in general and for this particular caboose.

This is a joint effort with PSRHS, Colfax Area Historical Society and City of Colfax.  The caboose will be open for visitors and staffed at major events.

The Before Look:  — The effects of unchecked weathering on a wood-sided caboose.

Our finished caboose is now SP #863, another C30-1 caboose that served on Colfax local. 

The Restoration process:

First step . . . get the electrical squared away.

New power pedestal to serve caboose and surrounding area.

The east side siding stripped away.

One of the many rotted window sills.

The windows removed from the cupola.

Interior scraping and painting was also taking place.

New windows and primered custom-milled tongue and groove siding being installed.

New windows and siding installed on track side. Siding needs to be trimmed at bottom.

Siding on street side is in desperate need of replacement.

Street side stripped and prepped for installation of new siding.

A vintage caboose stove sports a new coat of paint and awaits final installation.

The newly painted cupola with custom replacement windows and upholstered seats.

A coat of paint on the floor enhances the freshly painted interior.

With powder-coated hardware installed on the trim new exterior, the caboose is ready for its public debut at Colfax Railroad Days 2015.

The focus of volunteer efforts next shifted to the roof replacement.

Starting first with the cupola, the old roofing was removed and the wood prepped.

Underlayment material was put down and sealed.

Flashing was cut to fit and nailed in place.

The new roofing material installed on the cupola roof.

Adding trim boards.

Removing old hardware and residual roofing.

Applying roofing underlayment to main roof.

Installing flashing along roof edges.

The finished roof awaiting a new catwalk.

Masking windows for a final coat of paint.

Master painter at work.

And his able assistant.

A job well done!

New catwalk being installed.

Interior and exterior hardware.

Mounts for caboose marker lights.

Lettering being applied.

Our caboose is now SP #863, another C30-1 caboose that served on Colfax local.

Tribute to member and historian Ken Yeo who repacked the journals.

Initial interior displays showing historical role of the caboose.

Colfax caboose grand opening ceremony July 3, 2017.

Community interest in the newly renovated caboose.

Kids (of all ages) love climbing into the cupola.