QUICK FACTS

Model: B&O class C-27A bay window caboose
Built: September 1980
Builder: Fruit Growers Express, Alexandria, VA
Past Railroad Owners: Chessie System (Baltimore & Ohio), CSX Transportation
Current Owner: TOYX, Inc.

Caboose No. 904059 was built in September of 1980 by Fruit Growers Express (FGE) at their plant in Alexandria, Virginia. The car was originally Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) No. 904059 (class C-27A) during the time that the B&O was part of the “Chessie System” umbrella. It was equipped with seating for eight and bunks for two (which converted into a bench seat), so there was ample space for crews to “deadhead” back to their home terminal on board one of these cabooses on the rear of another train.

The No. 904059 received an updated electrical system in November of 1982 for unspecified reasons. The car was in Russell, Kentucky when it was transferred to CSX Transportation in 1986, and it was most recently used in local and yard service in Garrett, Indiana.

In November of 2018, CSX Transportation donated this historic caboose (in its full original 1980 paint job). After a significant amount of structural repairs to a damaged end, mechanical work, and interior restoration work, it was moved to Port Jervis, New York on December 12, 2021. The interior restoration has since been nearly completed by volunteers.

This fully operational caboose will be restored to its original Chessie System colors. It will be displayed at Port Jervis and used on Operation Toy Train’s annual Toys for Tots collection trains for additional volunteer capacity.