ICC Bay Window Caboose

Prototype Information

The International Car Company began building steel bay window cabooses in the early 1950s. This design moved the crew’s observation post from the roof to the sides of the car. Railroads needed this change as freight cars grew taller. These larger cars blocked the view from traditional cupolas. Side windows allowed the crew to see along the train at track level to spot dragging equipment or smoking wheels.

Safety also improved with the bay window layout. Cupolas often caused injuries when sudden stops threw crew members from their high seats. The ICC design kept the crew on one floor to eliminate these falling hazards. Major lines like the Southern Pacific and New York Central bought these cars in large numbers. Most railroads retired them in the 1980s when electronic devices replaced rear-end crews. Today, many serve as park displays or help crews during long backing maneuvers.