A SUPPLEMENT TO THE "TAIL" END, October 2006
This Caboose Sketch ID Guide was developed for the pilot edition of The "Tail" End back in July of 2000. The drawings of four of the most common Chessie and CSX style cabooses were done by hand by Editor MK. The ID Guide was not actually used in the July 2000 issue, and remained in the Chessie Chapter archives until it was hauled back out for publication in the October 2006 issue. We've included the original sketches and page heading while updating the text and details for each type. We think you'll agree that these drawings are both interesting to look at and helpful in identifying some of the few Chessie System cabooses which can be seen on the road or in museums today. The image copies you see below are actually larger than the images which were printed in the October 2006 issue, so you can view them in close detail. This is by no means a complete roster of cabooses that were once on the Chessie System, just a nostalgic look at some of the more common varieties and a couple types you just might catch on CSX today.
C-25 WIDE-VISION
Built in the 1960s and 1970s by International Car Company
Large C&O order with some still in service today. Earlier orders feature end ladders, later orders do not.
Not as common today as the C-27A Bay Window style.
A few have been converted into shoving platforms in the 900000 series.
Example: CSXT 903114 (C&O)
C-27A BAY WINDOW
Built in the early 1980s by Fruit Growers Express for the B&O and C&O.
Most feature the standard Chessie livery depicted here, with Chessie Safety Cross, but some B&O examples do not.
Many remain in service on CSXT, the example here sees daily use at Plymouth, MI.
A few have been converted into shoving platforms in the 900000 series.
Example: CSXT 904143 (C&O)
WOOD SHEATHED
Built by various builders and predecessors to the Chessie during the Steam Era.
Typical of many various specific designs owned and operated by these predecessors and during the early Chessie days.
With new Wide Visions and Bay Windows, and rebuilt center cupulas, the last of the wooden cabooses was retired in the 1970s.
Example: C&O 90976
CENTER CUPULA (C-15 and other classes)
Built in the 1940s to the early 1960s by many various companies, including American Car and Foundry, for the C&O.
Some saw an additional rebuild in the 1970s, and received a six digit number (the others had a five digit number).
Many of the rebuilds took place at the Grand Rapids, MI carshops.
Few if any examples remain in service, although a number of the rebuilds made it onto CSXT.
Example: CSXT 900562 (C&O)
The Signature which accompanied the sketches in the issue of the Chessie Chapter.
