ATSF way car #1642 is a steel, end cupola caboose. It was built in 1927,
the year the ATSF switched from wooden to steel cabooses, by American Car and Foundry Co.,
one of 150 in its class (class Ce). As originally built it had a K triple valve and a vertical
brake shaft. It was rebuilt to present configuration in 1976 and given a new number, 999913.
When donated to the museum by the Santa Fe Railroad, it was given its original number back.
Both trucks have AT&SF cast into the side frames along with the date of 5-48.
Enter the caboose from the B end. The porches are wooden. On the B end
porch you will see a brake wheel, an air release valve, and a ladder to the roof. Immediately
inside the caboose you will see the door to the toilet on your left and a storage cabinet on the
right. Below the cupola seats on the right are an ice box and a storage area. On the left are
two closets. There are 4 cupola seats, one facing forward and one facing backward on each side.
Beneath each seat is a storage area. The side cupola windows slide open in both directions.
The emergency air release valve is mounted just below the right, front facing seat. The air
pressure gauge is located on the back wall of the cupola.
Beyond the cupola, on the left, is a table with two seats. This table is
hinged to the wall, and the leg is hinged to the table, allowing the table to be swung up
against the wall and secured to get it out of the way. Forward of the table and seats is a
bulkhead. On the other side of the bulkhead is an angle iron which faces the angle iron on
the opposite wire mesh wall. Planks could be placed on the angle irons to hold a seat or a
mattress. Opposite this area, on the right side, is the stove, which is mounted on a piece
of metal. The stove pipe goes through the roof and connects with the chimney in front of the
cupola. Next to the stove is a coal bin. Beyond that is a desk with a paper cubicle, and on
the wall above is a bracket where a light was placed. Next is a closet. Just inside the A end
door, on either side, are seats which could be made into bunks. Above the seats are bunks that
could be lifted up and secured so the men would not hit their heads as they got in and out of
the seats. On one side, the closet forms the rear wall of the seat/bunk. On the other side a
wire screen forms the wall. As you exit the caboose onto the porch at the A end, you will note
a brake wheel, an air release valve and a ladder to the roof. Centered beneath the caboose
on either side are wooden storage boxes called tool cellars.
Santa Fe cabooses were painted mineral brown and had white markings during
steam years.
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