Nostalgia & History > a switch on switcher Saturday

Is it an 'SW hack'?
Denver 7/24/71

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Guess its all about colloquialism!
ALLEN

Switch Caboose = Restricted to yard service. This is a former Denver & Salt Lake caboose.

The purpose of a caboose on transfer, main line, or work train service is fairly obvious, but what was the function of a yard caboose? If anything, a caboose in a yard seems like it would constantly be in the way of switching operations. Could someone shed some light on this? T.I.A.

Desmond Praetzel, "4451 Puff"

4451Puff Wrote:
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> The purpose of a caboose on transfer, main line,
> or work train service is fairly obvious, but what
> was the function of a yard caboose? If anything, a
> caboose in a yard seems like it would constantly
> be in the way of switching operations. Could
> someone shed some light on this? T.I.A.
>
> Desmond Praetzel, "4451 Puff"

Used on transfer runs between yards and local switching in the area around the yards. 

What do you experienced railroaders think of the steps seen on this caboose?

I see Denver and Salt Lake lettering showing thru along the top of the car.

John