Perhaps it’s the lasting effects of watching The Station Agent too many times, but I went looking for a place to buy a caboose. They’re big; as much as 50′ long, 16′ tall, and 11′ feet wide. And they’re heavy, perhaps 30 tons. But they can be moved on roads via big trucks and cranes, but then, they also move brick houses.
Caboose disappeared from the railroads in the 1980s, after about 130 years of service. This story from the 1960s tells the first 100 years of history, before most could see their time was coming to an end. Like most things, they were replaced by technology.
So where to buy one? Rail Merchants International has a bunch of caboose, including a large lot from the SOO Line. JFS Railcar appears to have quite a stock. There’s some information and links here, and a search on Google returns plenty of hits.
Plans are available from the Conrail fans, and BDWhite has this rather detailed set.
Prices? The minimum I’ve seen is $8,500, from an ad in the back of Trains magazine. $10,000 to $20,000 seems more likely, and those SOO Line are going for as much as $65,000 new (where “new” of course, actually means something like “lightly used, 20 or so years old” ). Nowhere have I seen what it would cost to move such a thing.
70 Comments
I moved my caboose, without the trucks under it, ten miles. It cost me about $2,000. If anyone needs to move one in the central alabama area, I can arrange the move. Call me at 334-864-7611.
Will Hadaway
I moved a caboose on October 5, 2006, from Eastern Washington to the mountain foothills in Western Washington, approx. 150 miles. The cost to move the caboose on a flatbed truck was around $6,000. The cost to have a crane on each end of the journey for loading and unloading was around $3,500. Therefore, total cost for transportation and cranes was less than $10K. The 1971 Burlington Northern caboose is resting comfortably at its new home where it will be restored and converted to a cabin.
Want to buy wood caboose in great shape. I own a low bed company and will transport myself.
Thanks, Jim
what state are you in ? i thought of buying it but might pass it on. Semi rebuild, wood, good roof and inside and siding in good condition, bumper end beams need replacing. about . . . whats it worth ?
Don
James,
You say you have one for sale? I would be interested. Can you give me the details?
Thanks,
Doug
Want to buy wood caboose in great shape. OR a meatal caboose to turn into a coffee
shop drive thrue please call 402-540-2870 Im located in lincoln NE.
Thanks, AUDIE
If you’re interested, you can read all about the purchase and move of my 1921 Algoma Central caboose with plenty of photos by following this link: http://www.7stream.com/9517
Enjoy!
Have two wooden railroad cabooses for sale. They are in great shape and were originally built in 1923. Presently, the two cabooses are connected together and have been refurbished to house a retail store. They have electricity, elevating platform for handicap access, H/A system, water, and a restroom. They would be great for another retail establishment or even a camping/fishing/hunting cabin. If interested in purchasing and moving these fine cabooses, call: 770-993-5406.
I have a real nice metal caboose for sale
I am looking for a cuboose if you have some for sale please advise. thanks Lou
i’m interested in buying a cuboose for a playhouse for my children. any suggestions?
I have a collection of vintage metal cabooses which have been uniquely restored for inn use. We’re in California. Contact me (925) 519-0582 or email skybluepro@hotmail.com. Thanks
[tags]FOR SALE: VINTAGE RAILROAD CABOOSE LOT - CUSTOM RESTORATIONS[/tags]
Anybody out there still have a wooden caboose for sale?
yes i have a 1841 missouri pacific line caboose all wood w/ double bay windows and the original wood buring stove call @ 469-337-9335
Hi, I have a wooden caboose for sale. It was originally built in 1880. It’s being fully restored right now and should be ready in a month or so. We are making the cupola removable to save $$ on trucking. You can reach me by email at mattatcmi@hotmail.com.
Have a MoPac caboose in reasonably good shape. Does have some graffiti on it. Think built in ’50’s, not sure. Just north of Vancouver, WA. If interested, let us know. Can send pictures. Would like to sell prior to real estate sale.
[tags]mikeorlynlee@aol.com[/tags]
In regards to caboose north of Vancouver
Have a coboose for sale just north of Vancouver, WA. In reasonably good shape. Mo Pac caboose that I believe was built in the 50’s, but not sure. Can send pictures. Does have some graffiti.
Hi,
I am interested in buying a vintage train caboose.
I have an old wooden caboose sitting on the back of our property. It does need renovations, but it’s FREE to anyone that wants it! I’m in Va. my email is foalfan at yahoo dot com
For Sale…I have 1972 Southern Pacific caboose… It was a guest house, but now in storage.. Real caboose stove, bathroom, bedroom, and small kitchen. Trucks and rails also.
Iâ??ve got a 1967 Union Pacific Caboose Iâ??m trying to sell (on trucks and rails). It was on the property of a house I recently bought (Bartlesville, OK) and donâ??t know what to do with it. I’d like to sell it to a collector rather than on eBay or as scrap, but have had some trouble figuring out where I can do so.
Do you know where I can go, and how much should I expect to get for it?
Thanks!
Jordan Rittenberry, could you please give me a call at 214-766-3024. i would like to talk to you about your caboose. thanks, richard.
Yes we save and sell real cabooses and have been doing so for over fifteen years. We can help with transport and set-up too. Contact David Thebodo at rail merchants international 641-472-2020 http://www.railmerchants.net if serious. Thanx
Richard Watkins–I called 214-766-3024, but was told I had the wrong number. Please give me a call at 312-961-3136 when you get a chance.
Thanks!
Looking for a wooden caboose. at this point most any will do. I would be interested in a set of trucks. My intent is to rebuild for a train room.
Live in Sacramento Ca. area so closer the better, but will consider all
thank you
John
What charges are there for posting a notice as I do have a GTW wood caboose for sale?
I live in Gilbert Arizona and I would like to buy a Wooden Caboose to set up in my yard as a guest house. Anyone have one close by to sell. email me at sfinkbeiner@cox.net
I LIVE IN MISSOURI AND WOULD LIKE TO BUT A CABOOSE TO USE FOR EXTRA ROOM FOR FAMILY. IF ANYONE HAS ONE IN THE AREA PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT sparkle1@fidnet.com
SK - email me about the SP caboose please.
I am trying to get a donated/cheap caboose in the North Texas area for an Eagle Scout Project. If anyone has one they could donate or part with for a cheap price please contact me. copcarburnout@gmail.com
I am interested in b uying a caboose. Re-habbed would be most desireable, but will consider one in any condition. Chico, CA, so the closer the better! Contact me at maryfdavidson@juno.com
I have a caboose for sale in Marin County by San Francisco. It has hardwood floors and has been remodeled. See photos: http://www.NicasioValley.com scroll near the bottom of the page for photos. Asking $38,000 dkunst@gmail.com
We decided to renovate the free caboose and turn it into living quarters. We had well over 100 inquiries about it, but every one of them were no shows. So we got tired of the hassle and just decided to keep it.
I am interested in purchasing a caboose, located in Alabama. Please e-mail me at gkman@netzero.net. Thanks
I’m still trying to get rid of a 1967 Union Pacific Caboose on trucks and rails in Oklahoma if anyone’s interested.
I’ve got pictures I’m happy to send along, so feel free to drop me an email.
Jordan
j.rittenberry@sbcglobal.net
Well, this kicks my dream to own one in the head. I never guessed they would be that expensive but having just seen a piece on railroads on Modern Marvels I reckon $22,000 including the move is “cheap” but not for this po’ boy. Thanks for the information!
looking for a caboose for our museum in amarillo, texas. also, any information on a pullman club car we have built in 1898. thanks tom
I purchased a small turn of the century RR depot and am turning it into a jazz club in Bloomington, IN. Would like to buy an old caboose. Am adjacent to a working track.
I recently discovered that our caboose, isn’t a caboose after all. It’s an old wooden train car that was used for employees to live in while traveling. However, it is available again to anyone that wants it. It is FREE to anyone that will come and get it. It is not sitting on wheels. It has power and plumbing hooked up to it and you would be responsible for having someone disconnect it. It is not in the greatest condition, but it could be a whole lot worse, being so old and wooden. It has a kitchen and a bathroom already existing in it. It needs to be gone in three weeks. We are moving a mobile home in. If it is not gone by then, we will be cutting it into pieces and burying it. It is located in southern Va.
I have a caboose and box car for sale in Northwest TN near Kentucky Lake. It has been converted into a hair and nail salon and been occupied in this manner for the past 11 yrs. The business is called “Nails on Rails- Railway Hair Junction” (very catchy!)
Could be stripped out and converted into anything one desires. Please email for inquiries:
sillysistersdesigns@yahoo.com
We’re looking for an old caboose to fix up. Anyone close to Vancouver, B.C.?
I live in Cushing Ok. We purchased a caboose 6 months ago and are still looking for some one to move it. It is only 1 mile from our home. Any help would be appriciated. Thanks Garry
I’ve got an old mop caboose heater I’ll take $500 for if y’all are interested.
I’m interested in a Caboose to be moved on my property in Canyon Lake, Texas.(Near San Antonio)
Please email if you know of any in the area.
Thank you
looking for a caboose in the oregon area perfer southern pacific but open to any
i live in maine and am looking for a cheap (sold for a dolla)(take it away) caboose to fix up as a house. everybody ya talk to up here thinks i’m made of money!! or a collector or somethin’! got caboose!! Russ
I would really love to purchase a caboose (perferably)
wooden to use as my art studio. I am located around
Tampa area.
Much appreciated.
Linda L
Hi,
I am interested in purchasing a caboose for a backyard guest cottage. I live along the Front Range in Colorado.
I am looking for a caboose for a project with my church in Kansas. Near Kansas City. Anyone know where I would look? Thanks, Mark Scribner mark@westhavenbaptist.org
Looking to buy a caboose in Alabama or the Southeast. Please email. Regards, David
Hello, I’m on the Central Coast of California near San Luis Obispo and am looking for a metal cupola caboose that is nearby (San Francisco/Sacramento to Los Angeles/San Diego). If anyone in the state has one up for sale, please let me know. Thanks.
I am looking for a caboose in the Central Texas area for a non-profit group. I have found one that used to be part of a restaurant for sale for $22,000, includes move and set of rails. It does need work and has a hole cut out of the back where it was attached to restaurant. Just open inside.
Is this a good buy? Do not know what line it is, the cupola is in the rear.
Thanks for any help.
live in western pa and want a caboose possibly haul?.price of caboose
would like to buy a caboose to use for a guest house. one near the college station, texas area.
Kathy or Mary -
I have a BN cupola caboose South of Dallas. If you are interested email me at mhpinctx@yahoo.com for more inforamtion & pictures. It needs a little TLC. It does not have the trucks so would have to be moved by truck (at your expense).
I have a real Caboose for sale, with tracks. The inside has been refurbished, carpet, bathroom, wooden walls and ceiling. write me at justinguitar@gmail.com for pictures. Thanks!
Justin
I have a caboose for sale. It’s almost 40′ long with a cupula in the middle. The exterior has been completely reconditioned - Red with white trim. The interior has been gutted for remodeling. New commercial windows throughout. $26,000. Colorado (970)310-9165
I have a Wooden Caboose.
I would like to find a good home for it as it needs some work. It’s a N&W and has no wheels. I would be willing to give it away to the right person. It’s in Falls Mills VA 24613 Please e-mail RichmondREB@aol.com and put Caboose in the subject line.
Looking for a caboose with cupola. Any condition within 250 miles from St.Louis,Mo.
Please call or e-mail.
314-540-4600
we are looking for donated railway items, specifically cabooses of B&O, and N&W. We are a RR presevation Society in Cleveland Ohio. Any help would be appreciated and your donation is fully tax deductable.
Thanks for listening!
we are a non profit charity 501(c)3 working with terminilly ill children, we seek a good condition caboose, for the north pole village in middlefield ohio
between cleveland and youngstown….can you please help us for the children. your donation is tax deductable.
thank you.
9
0
I am interested in buying an old caboose. One in need of restoration. Please contact me at the above website. Thank you
Check out http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com for a HUGE selection of cabooses and other cars.
I own a 1920’s Frisco caboose. I have been restoring it when I can. It is in good condition for its age. The inside is still in original condition and in very good condition. I have installed new siding, including insulation on one side. Will send pictures. Contact me at 918-285-1072 or email for more information.
O by the way I am selling this caboose and I live in Cushing Oklahoma
I have a 1972 CN all metal 46 foot long cabose for sale. Complete with fourty feet of rails and sleepers and a functionaing RR crossing sign. The caboose was converted to toy store. Converted to 110 volt electric service. you move asking $15,000 Call 607 387 7891 for more information or contact by e-mail at tburgtoys@fltg.net
Hi Gary,
I’m interested in the caboose. Can you give me some more details and what you are asking for the caboose. You can contact me at orediggers1@hotmail.com
Thanks!
I am possibly buying a pittsburgh shawmut wooden caboose from a person in my area that has had it on display in his yard for many years, the caboose is in pretty bad shape and will need major repair and restore…..i am looking for any help on blueprints or plans or any other information on how i might disassemble and transport the caboose via roadway…….i am very interested in blueprints or plans……..the caboose was used by the pittsburgh shawmut company and i believe the caboose number 172……i would greatly appreciate any help…….thanks
you can email me at butchkane@hotmail.com for the previous post above……thanks
Post a Comment