Moving a Caboose

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 12:03 AM

Where could I begin to find out about transporting a railworthy caboose crosscountry (Mid Maine to San Diego)? This I understand would involve several different RRs.

As this is my first post, I am probably in the wrong place. Sorry if that is the case.

Thanks

Leftcoastgene

Replies to this thread are ordered from "oldest to newest". To reverse this order, click here.
To learn about more about sorting options, visit our FAQ page.

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 1:37 AM

Maybe contact the railroads themselves?

Posted by coborn35

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 11:04 AM

Contact your local museum or somebody who knows how it works. It needs to be inspected and such also. Is it on live rail?

Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."

The Missabe Road: Safety First

Posted by ndbprr

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 11:56 AM

I agree contact your local railroad as they would be the initiating shipper. However be prepared that this will be a very low priority move for most railroads. There are horror stories of caboose movements taking months to get to final destinations. I would also expect total cost to be in the thousands of dollars.

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 9:43 PM

Thank s to all for the responses. I kinda expected the cost to be 2-5K. Could be more, I'll find out. Low priority, several months? I did read a late story in Trains about a guy here in San Diego who had a caboose moved here from Colorado? He actually was able to track it's progress.

I'll begin with the local shipper here.

Again, many thanks[:D]

Posted by Anonymous

on Wed, Jun 14 2006 9:46 PM

Oh yes, it is on live rail, but I'm unsure if it has current certification/inspection.

Thanks

Posted by chad thomas

on Thu, Jun 15 2006 12:13 PM

Gene, I believe the story you mentioned involved a caboose moved by a low boy, and the trucks on a regular flatbed. The guy also had to hire a crane to load / unload it. The cost can be quite high for a move like that.

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Jun 15 2006 6:34 PM

Chad,
The guy moved the caboose by rail to a siding in San Diego from somewhere in the Midwest. From there it was loaded on lowboys and brought to his site (El Cajon?)

Posted by narig01

on Fri, Jun 16 2006 1:52 AM

As much as I hate to say this. Have you tried contacting a truck broker?
Don't know much about being the shipper but as a truck driver I can suggest as brokers C.H.Robinson, Landstar Inway, or Landstar Ranger Agents.
Main thing would be the height of the shipment. If the trucks & underframecomponents could be removed it is not that difficult of a road move. 10' width is very common for oversized loads & is generally not a major problem. Height is more of a concern. Generally loads over 13'6" (from the pavement to the top of cargo) are a bigger problem. Loads over 14'6" are considerably worse & (if I remember correctly) require a separate escort vehicle.
Comment on rail shipment is the equipment over 40 years old? Is the equipment rail worthy? (ie can it move on its own wheels or would it need to be loaded on a railcar?)
Rgds IGN

Posted by chad thomas

on Fri, Jun 16 2006 10:48 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by leftcoastgene

Chad,
The guy moved the caboose by rail to a siding in San Diego from somewhere in the Midwest. From there it was loaded on lowboys and brought to his site (El Cajon?)

Oh, I that is was a truck move the whole way. I guess that darn CRS is rareing it's ugly head again.[;)]

Posted by Anonymous

on Sun, Jun 18 2006 4:47 PM

I'm sorry Chad, I didn't understand your reference (CRS?). I read an article a while back about a guy who bought a caboose and shipped it most of the way on rail. I believe he then craned it onto 2 lowboys and drove it the remaining distance to his home. Maybe a different story. Thanks

Posted by chad thomas

on Mon, Jun 19 2006 11:14 AM

Gene, CRS = Can't Remember S***. [;)]