View inside a caboose showing the Brakeman's station where he could monitor the cars on the train while traveling along the track. One duty was to spot axles that needed lubrication.  They could get red hot if the oil was depleted and the metal axle rotated in a dry housing.

The upright pipe beside the chair and the pipe overhead came in handy when you walked around the car to aid in your balance as at times the cars would roll back and forth.  A hand rail was necessary on many occasions

The rectangular devise facing the metal chair  was a stove that heated the area in the winter time burning either wood or coal.  Later no doubt many stoves were converted to burn heating oil. I know, it doesn't look very plush or comfortable; but remember this is a work area and only the necessary items were made available to complete the task of running a train.  Now the private cars were another matter.  No expense was spared catering to the Owners of the Rail road and other special officials  transversing  the country.

This is a view of the wash basin located opposite side of the car.  Note the cushioned metal chairs faced both forward and to the rear.  Doing this the caboose could be towed in either direction and be equally efficient.

The author's father served as a fireman on a steam powered train; so if his memory has created some errors, kindly email him a note.

updated: 02/08/2003