Norfolk Western #562832

The original design of the Streamlined (sometimes called Offset) Caboose was built by the Wabash Railroad in the early 1950’s. The most common form was a small windowed projection on the roof, called the cupola. The crew sat in elevated seats to inspect the train from this perch while the train was moving. The caboose also provided the train crew with a shelter at the rear of the train. The crew could exit the train for switching or to protect the rear of the train when stopped.