Contrary to popular belief, there are freight ops on the NEC. Mostly at night, but some day time. That's Conrail Shared Assets territory and there's a lot of reverse moves at speed through there.
I've seen such a thing a few times in Coatesville, the caboose is probably used as a shoving platform for backing operations. The one I saw, the windows were all boarded up so no one was likely inside the caboose, just the trainman standing on the platform as the train shoved across Rt 30.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
just saw a norfolk sourthern engine pulling a boxcar, covered hopper and blue caboose southbound on the northeast corrdor in New Brunswick just before rush hour
had never seen a freight on the NR corredor, nor such a small train, nor one with a caboose. what were the likely doing
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading