RF&P 923

Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Cabooses

The RF&P purchased its first modern all-steel cabooses in 1970. Until that time, the only cabooses operated by the line were numerous wooden cabooses constructed prior to 1920 and a group of converted cabooses modified from stock cars during World War II.

The first all-steel cabooses were constructed by the International Car Company in Kenton, Ohio, and delivered to the RF&P in 1970. The cost for each car was $29,741. These first steel cabooses were wide vision, cushion underframe cabooses numbered 901 through 903. Included in the new design were such safety features as cushioned center sill, safety steps, safety glass and screens on the windows, vertical hand brakes, adjustable high-back seats and electric lights. Four additional cabooses of this design were delivered by International Car in May of 1973 and were numbered 904 through 907.

With the beginning of the caboose pooling arrangement with Seaboard Coast Line in the early 1970s, the RF&P purchased six cars for this service. These all-steel, 50,800-pound, light weight cars were delivered by Southern Iron & Equipment of Atlanta, Georgia, in January of 1971. Numbered 921 through 923 and 931 through 933, they were placed on pool service with the SCL during the seventies and were seen all over the SCL system.

The service-life of these cabooses was interestingly extended in 1982. During that year, pursuant to the recommendations of a Presidential Emergency Board convened under the Railway Labor Act, the United Transportation Union, which represented the road trainmen, entered into a national agreement with the nation's railroads to begin the elimination of caboose cars. While the RF&P was a party to the 1982 agreement, it was unable to implement the provisions of the agreement because of a law requiring a caboose on all freight trains operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Hence, while other railroads began to eliminate or reduce the use of cabooses throughout the country in 1982, the RF&P was required to maintain a caboose on each of its freight trains. The Virginia Caboose Law was finally repealed during the 1988 session of the Virginia General Assembly.

While the RF&P has retired virtually all of its cabooses, two of its wide vision, all-steel cabooses remain in RF&P service. In 1987, cabooses 903 and 906 were refurbished by RF&P shop forces at Bryan Park Terminal in Richmond, Virginia. These cabooses were painted bright red, Dupont #29198 Imron, with white lettering, Dupont #55769 Imron. These cars are currently used on local freight trains. William E. Griffin, Diesel Era Magazine, March 1991.

Reprinted with permission. Back issues are available for $4.95 plus $1.00 postage. Subscriptions to Diesel Era are $28/year or $48/two years. Contact Withers Publishing, 528 Dunkle School Road, Halifax, PA 17032-9424.

(Note: Since this article was written, all RF&P cabooses have been removed from service.)

Photo Credits: Black & White Photo: Dave Davies.

Before Renovation

After Renovation