Looking for a REAL RAILROAD CABOOSE FOR SALE, like the one below
Above former P&LE caboose number 513- sold to a NY railroad
Read below for where to buy real cabooses in the US
We get many requests for where to get a caboose for sale.
I figured I could pass on information if you have been all over the web looking for a real railroad caboose to buy. It appears there is now a scramble for shortline railroads to buy cabooses, since so many have gone to scrap, the prices are going up.
Below are some caboose broker links. Most are commercial dealers in railroad equipment.
Below that , links on what would be involved in buying and moving a caboose both by rail and truck. Warning: do not expect much in the way of condition many of these have set in yards or sidings for years. Happy caboose hunting :)
D.F.Barnhart & Associates Railroad equipment auctioneers.
Buy where the railroads buy-beware of costs to pass AAR ( The Association of American Railroads) railcar interchange inspections if thinking of shipping by rail- as in all things- research before you buy. AAR Website
Rail Swap A good site selling real railroad equipment from other people and railroads. Free ads
Ozark Mountain Rail Car Also a good site and they seem to regularly have cabooses.
Rail Merchants Good selection for a good price.
U.S. GOV. liquidations YES they have a railroad equipment section.
Have you always thought you would like to buy a real caboose or wondered what is involved in moving one? Below are some links to give you some info.
Don't want to buy one, plans to build one, don't want to build one, links to where you can stay in one overnight, don't want to stay in one overnight, come on down and ride in one of ours or rent it for a party.
Algoma Central Caboose 9517 This is a new link from Menomonie WI ,a caboose that was moved by rail and truck in 2001.Check out the photos and thanks Jim.
Caboosenut.com This is the Catawissa Railroad Co. 60 miles from Harrisburg, Pa. It is also a hotel where you can stay in real cabooses. Also on his site, lots of pictures, info, prices of what is involved in acquiring and moving these 25+ ton babes. What an education. I love this site, they are an inspiration to us all. You can post a want ad if you are looking for a caboose for sale.
His video of his adventures buying/moving/fixing cabooses (he has 14), skip the school of hard knocks yourself. http://www.caboosenut.com/caboosevideo.htm
History and preservation of cabooses
ARCHES This is a preservation society just for cabooses and caboose lovers.Very informed people.
Ride in our cabooses on our tourist train or rent one for a party.
Kiski Junction Railroad 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh Pa.
Pictures of our passenger cabooses inside and out. tables, yes all have tables, bring a lunch, have a picnic!
Caboose Motels, Caboose Hotels, Caboose Bed and Breakfasts in the US
Before you buy one -try one! with links to them or info about them web sites
Just a note: Real cabooses are getting harder to find. Most railroads quit using them around the 1980s, thousands went to scrap, they are heavy around 25+ tons, high about 15' if equipped with cupola, 10 foot wide, 30 to 40 foot long, Heavy steel, (most wood ones are long gone). Condition and value vary widely, railroads look for FRA/AAR inspections. Note the wheel assembly (known as "trucks") trucks with friction bearings were banned from interchange 1/1/94 and friction converted to roller bearing were banned 1/1/95, this is because detectors can not see them when they overheat.
Scale drawings of cabooses: If you are handy with plans and building here are some good drawings inside and out.
Railfan Net lots of different styles of cabooses inside and out.
Check this out -Model Builders: Franklin Caboose Style Homes
Sorry it is not possible to list cabooses for sale on this site.
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