Archbold in Fulton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Caboose
Photographed By Craig Doda, October 17, 2020
1. Caboose Marker
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Caboose. . The caboose is one of the most iconic images related to.trains, they were much more than simply the “end of the train.” The caboose served several practical functions. The first use was as an office for the conductor who was responsible for the trains. His job was to ensure the train arrived safely, all cargo (people, baggage or freight) was delivered, the train had enough fuel and that it was "rail worthy.” This required paperwork. The caboose gave him a portable office for this need.
The next function was safety. The cupola on the top of the train allowed the conductor and brakeman to watch the train for potential issues. One of the most important was brake issues. At night, they could watch for glowing or hot brakes, sparks and other fire hazards and during the day for smoke. Windows were opened to smell for hot grease or smoke.
Third, the caboose served as a passenger location for the conductor, brakemen and flagmen. On freight trains the only other people onboard were at the engine; on passenger trains, seats in train cars were for paying customers only. When needed, the brakeman could climb out of the caboose and along the train to look for potential issues or to apply the brakes in the years before automatic brakes. When a train stopped, it was the flagman's job to walk back along the track with lanterns, flags and other warning devices to stop an approaching train to avoid accidental collisions.
It was common for a caboose to be assigned to a conductor for his exclusive use. Conductors often took great pride in their cars. They were used as living quarters and equipped with a desk, restroom, water supply, stove, heater, bed and icebox. They often had homey touches including curtains or blinds and family photographs. They became their home from their actual homes.
Today with the advent of electronic monitoring systems and computers, the caboose is no longer the traditional end of the train.
The caboose is one of the most iconic images related to.trains, they were much more
than simply the “end of the train.” The caboose served several practical functions. The
first use was as an office for the conductor who was responsible for the trains. His job
was to ensure the train arrived safely, all cargo (people, baggage or freight) was
delivered, the train had enough fuel and that it was "rail worthy.” This required
paperwork. The caboose gave him a portable office for this need.
The next function was safety. The cupola on the top of the train allowed the conductor
and brakeman to watch the train for potential issues. One of the most important was
brake issues. At night, they could watch for glowing or hot brakes, sparks and other
fire hazards and during the day for smoke. Windows were opened to smell for hot
grease or smoke.
Third, the caboose served as a passenger location for the conductor, brakemen and
flagmen. On freight trains the only other people onboard were at the engine; on
passenger trains, seats in train cars were for paying customers only. When needed, the
brakeman could climb out of the caboose and along the train to look for potential
issues or to apply the brakes in the years before automatic brakes. When a train
stopped, it was the flagman's job to walk back along the
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track with lanterns, flags and
other warning devices to stop an approaching train to avoid accidental collisions.
It was common for a caboose to be assigned to a conductor for his exclusive use.
Conductors often took great pride in their cars. They were used as living quarters and
equipped with a desk, restroom, water supply, stove, heater, bed and icebox. They often
had homey touches including curtains or blinds and family photographs. They became
their home from their actual homes.
Today with the advent of electronic monitoring systems and computers, the caboose is
no longer the traditional end of the train.
Location. 41° 32.581′ N, 84° 17.807′ W. Marker is in Archbold, Ohio, in Fulton County. Marker is on Ohio Route 2, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Archbold OH 43502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
