RF&P Caboose Cache Traditional Cache
Team_Bishop_PLB: Buh bye.
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FTF = npglenn on 13 MAY 2012.
I also feel the need to acknowledge huggy_d1 who more than likely would have been FTF were it not for my crappy first coords. Thanks for your patience.
Also thx to littlebutch for volunteering to provide me with remedial assistance.
Having grown up in coal mining country I have seen many railcars. This nano is a tribute to that mode of transportation. May the Fourth be with you!!!
The first Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad (RF&P) cabooses were wooden construction built as early as 1904. Over the years they were modified to keep them in service or sold.
The RF&P purchased its first modern, all steel cabooses from the International Car Company in Kenton, Ohio for $29,741.
The first three cars from the International Car Company were numbered 901 through 903. The design included many new safety features including improved entry steps, glass windows with screens, hand brakes, adjustable high back seats, and electric lights.
Caboose car No. 904, built in 1974, was part of the second series that ran through car No. 907. The earliest steam-era cabooses were painted bright vermillion enamel. Car No. 904 was painted blue with yellow trim and white lettering.
The function of the caboose was to provide the train crew with a shelter at the rear of the train. From there they could exit the train for switching or to protect the rear of the train when stopped. They used windows to inspect the train for problems such as shifting loads and broken or damaged equipment. The conductor kept records and conducted business from a table or desk in the caboose. For longer trips the caboose was used as a living quarters, and was frequently personalized with pictures and posters.
The Commonwealth of Virginia required a caboose on all freight trains operating in the State until 1988. The Virginia Caboose Law was repealed that yearno longer requiring the use of cabooses and eventually a number of them went completely out of service.
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(Decrypt)
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