Former MOPAC Caboose 13430 is an offset cupola caboose, originally used by crews on long distance trains. It is very spacious. This caboose is one of the museum's most recent acquisitions. Its interior was converted by its previous owners to serve as a party room. (See pictures in the 'Private Party' section of this site.) It is still fully mobile. We have built steps to improve access. Some of its windows were sealed, probably by MOPAC.

Fire caused serious damage to this caboose in the wee hours of the morning in late November 2009. It was caused by smoldering insulation ignited during the finishing touches to a project to replace the rusty bottom edges of the exterior steel walls of the caboose. While the caboose looks bad, structurally it was unaffected and work to refurbish it has already begun. Most of the windows sealed by the railroad will be re-opened at the same time. A brighter interior, better lighting and improved access to the cupola will result in the interior being happier and more user friendly. Pictures of the restoration will be added as work progresses as the "bones" of the caboose are fascinating yet not very observable during regular service.

It's an ill wind that does not blow somebody some good. We are taking this opportunity to re-open some of the sealed windows and install better heating and air-conditioning plus upgrade the interior to make the space lighter and even more accommodating. As of this time, July 2011, we are about half way to returning the party caboose to service.