Pssst! ... Hey Kid, Wanna Buy a Caboose?

(Page 8 of 8)

January/February 1972
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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"Upstairs" on both sides are built-in "booth" seats. "This is one of the places where cabooses often vary in size," my guide told me. "Mine seats four people on each side and makes a great place from which to view the scenery on a trip. Other cabooses, such as Dr. Klein's purple beauty, have a cupola large enough for an extra bed on each side of the hall . . . thereby increasing the car's sleeping space."

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Behind the cupola, outside the railroad car's "back" door, is Chuck's back porch or platform. The roof of the caboose, which overhangs the front platform, overhangs this one too and guard rails and ladders to the roof-front and rear-add the finishing touches to the outside of the car. Inside, a telephone tops off all the comforts of home.

Most people prefer to do their own wiring, decorating and painting and—except for replacing windows and an occasional door—Chuck doesn't usually remodel the cabooses he sells. He's always willing, though, to help people—like Dr. Klein—who do want assistance with the job.

Although Chuck Bartlebaugh buys cabooses all over the country and sells them throughout the state of Michigan, it is obviously impossible for him to travel any great distance to inspect and sell one car. In other words, if you live far away from Michigan and you want to buy a caboose, you're left pretty much to your own devices . . . but not entirely.

Chuck says, "If you want to purchase a caboose, be careful. Approximately 90% of the cars which are retired are simply not worth buying. Inspect any surplus rolling stock very carefully (preferably with the help of one or more retired railroadmen who know what to look for) before you lay your money down. And if you live in the United States or Canada and don't know where to begin looking for the caboose of your dreams, let me know and I'll gladly help you locate one near your home. Just write to me, Charles Bartlebaugh, Box 402, Rochester, Michigan 48063."

Happy hunting!

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