In the mid 1800’s train crews would build a box-like shelter on spare platform cars to protect their cooking fires. In the 1830’s Nat Williams a freight conductor, for the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad, would sit in the last car on the train either on a box or barrel, to direct the train’s operation. As trains grew longer railroads provided platform cars for the train crews and then begin to convert box cars for shelters for the crews. From this the modern day caboose, equipped with stoves, refrigerators, electricity, gas heaters, and even specially designed Pullman - type crew seats, has become not only an efficient office , but a “home away from home” for conductors and train crews. |
