03-05-2009, 02:04 PM
As far as I know, there are no longer any laws that require cabooses on trains. Most, if not all, major railroads keep cabooses rostered for several reasons. Trains that have long back up moves involved regularly in their work, especially when road crossing are involved, typically get a caboose. This gives a safe place for the trainmen to ride, and makes the use of a hand held brakepipe whistle much easier than if you were hanging on the side of a car. Typically cabooses used in this way are referred to as "shoving platforms" and the interior is empty. The windows are usually plated over and the doors may be welded shut.
Other uses for cabooses involve DOD movements, radioactive shipments, oversize loads, key trains, MOW service, etc. Any of these may or may not involve the use of a caboose, and certain DOD or NPC movements may or may not be staffed with men in black or camo with high powered rifles that use the caboose as their rider car/security center.
I'm sure there are other reasons to have a caboose on the roster as well. Some railroads, mostly all shortlines and tourist roads, have a caboose because, well, every railroad should have a caboose.
Other uses for cabooses involve DOD movements, radioactive shipments, oversize loads, key trains, MOW service, etc. Any of these may or may not involve the use of a caboose, and certain DOD or NPC movements may or may not be staffed with men in black or camo with high powered rifles that use the caboose as their rider car/security center.
I'm sure there are other reasons to have a caboose on the roster as well. Some railroads, mostly all shortlines and tourist roads, have a caboose because, well, every railroad should have a caboose.
-Dave