Reminiscing on wooden caboose

[Tillman]

Spotted a weathered wooden caboose on a back track the other day and my my it looked like something straight out of a history book and made me start thinking about how far we've come and its so hard to believe those were once the last word in crew comfort and function lol. anyone here who actually rode or worked in one, what was it really like?
And funny I heard some museums and tourist lines still use them, but seeing one out in the wild hits different, any first hand stories anyone can bring to the crowd?

 

[Fr3ightRunn3r]

I can only imagine how incredible that must've been to see in person! I've only caught glimpses of them in museums, so I'm a bit envious. I've heard they might've felt a bit cramped, but there's something so cozy about those wood stoves and charming cupola views. Has anyone here actually worked on or ridden in one? I'd really love to hear what it was like for you every day

 

[Suckerpunched]

My granpa worked the rails and was telling me and still does about cabooses. They seem cozy and interesting to us now, but back int the day there were necessity and had to exist. I'm sure it was a memorable experience.

 

[takeaplunge55]

That's such a cool sighting! I've always wondered what it was like riding in a caboose. Was it cozy or cramped? Did they feel safe back there during rough weather or long runs?