Caboose and Annex Special Project
Depot’s 2 Projects
1. Move Caboose from Kohnen’s Bakery to
Depot Grounds
2. Annex to store the Artifacts safely
![](https://k3w341.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Caboose-Colored-Photoshop-Rendering-C-Final-3-20-23001_jpg-by.webp?time=1725368871)
Why did they get rid of the caboose?
Until the 1980s, laws in the United States and Canada required all freight trains to have a caboose and a full crew, for safety. Technology eventually advanced to a
point where the railroads, in an effort to save money
by reducing crew members, stated that cabooses were unnecessary.
![](https://k3w341.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/train-park-four-men.jpg?time=1725368871)
![](https://k3w341.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/snowy-train-car.jpg?time=1725368871)
Photo by: Ed Delvers 1998
Internet Site: CA. Captive Caboose List — This list is accurate as of 01/19/2007
Tehachapi CA SP 1098, Tehachapi Antiques, Tehachapi Boulevard
I was brought to Tehachapi round 1996 after I was retired from the Southern Pacific Railroad around 1984. I believe the first thing I did was to advertise Antiques & Collectibles for sell. Since Tehachapi is known for its apples they were advertised on both sides of the logo.
Later on Hans of Gold Coast Station purchased me and set me beside his store at the end of Kohnen’s bakery. Then I was painted with the Black Widow colors, with the Southern Pacific logo. I believe it was 1999 or so I was moved to this area and have set there until 2022.
The City donated the funds to buy the caboose, then FOTD purchased me. FOTD’s plan is to move me to enhance the beautiful grounds of the Tehachapi Depot #23. I will be restored to my original Southern Pacific designed.
However, I will need your help financially to get this done. The Depot is so excited to bring it to our grounds as it will
help keep the history of the Caboose alive. It will be restored inside and out to enhance the education of the railroad history in our area. The Depot will continue to present tours and other educational programs to its, long history.
If you or your business would like to participate in this fundraiser you may contact us at fotdtreasurer@gmail.com or click on the Donate button at the top of the page.
You can also send a check, please just note on it that it is a donation for the caboose restoration.
![](https://k3w341.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/UP-Contribution-Letter.webp?time=1725368871)