DRGW Steel Riveted Caboose

Prototype Information

The Rio Grande introduced the 01400-series steel cabooses in 1940 to replace fragile wooden models. Workers at the Burnham Shops in Denver built these rugged cars to survive the brutal mountain grades. The “riveted” design featured heavy steel plates fastened with visible rows of bolts for maximum strength. These cars easily handled the massive push-and-pull forces of heavy steam and diesel locomotives. Every car included an offset cupola, giving the conductor a clear view over the train to spot mechanical issues.

These cabooses became icons of the “Action Road” for over fifty years. They eventually traded their original black paint for the famous “Grande Gold” and silver stripes of the 1960s. By the late 1980s, electronic “End of Train” devices finally pushed these rolling offices into retirement. Many 01400-series cars survived the scrap heap due to their incredibly tough construction. Today, you can find them on display at the Colorado Railroad Museum or working on heritage lines across the West.