The restoration of the caboose at the Great Allegheny Passage trailhead in Connellsville is now complete. The stenciling and signs were just recently added by the local HObo model railroad club. The artwork was done by Jessica Lotman and Laura Koposko. This will be an information center for hikers and bikers on the trail.
Sanding, rust repair, and primer on this caboose was done courtesy of the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center students. Then the students painted it B&O red, assisted by Vern Ohler of the Connellsville Street Department. Local CSX roadmaster Gerry Gable donated the spikes, ties, and railplates. CSX employee Shawn Lowery helped with building the rails. Local business Painter's Choice donated paint, primer, and body filler. Stone and Company donated wood for the interior, which is being refinished by local retired carpenter Dave Stupka and his son Dave Jr. SCA Trail Town Outreach Corps did interior rehab work, interior and exterior painting, and collected brochures and menus for the Welcome Center. Other individuals who helped with various aspects of the project include Karl Butchko, Jerry Matthews, Jim Haun, Gary Wandel, Jason Lowe, and Jonathan Baeckel.
The caboose is at the former site of a P&LE rail yard. Now it's next to the Youghiogheny River Trail-Great Allegheny Passage. According to research this Class I-17A caboose was built by the B&O in Indiana in July 1956. Built as B&O C2891. Later when the Chessie System gained control of the B&O, the number on this became 902891 and it was painted in Chessie colors. Owned by the City of Connellsville, it will be leased to the Youghiogheny River Trail Council. Trail Town Outreach Corps member Emma Strong is credited with coming up with the original idea for this project. Financially this project was supported by a donation from the Sprout Fund and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. It is expected to be open to trail visitors starting in summer 2012.
Have you ever watched cabooses, enjoyed their uniqueness, wondered about the men inside, or the jobs they do? Once an everyday sight on the rails, they have decreased in numbers, yet they are a very important part of railroad history.
