Great Northern X180 Transfer Caboose

GREAT NORTHERN #X180 CABOOSE

Here is yet another recycled product, but this one is probably unique in that it started life as a Baldwin Locomotives Works diesel switcher and is the last survivor of four converted by the Great Northern Railway (one of the predecessor lines of Burlington Northern).

This caboose served for many years in the Vancouver Terminal area on transfer and switching moves between Vancouver and New Westminster. No. X-180 was donated to the West Coast Railway Association by Burlington Northern Railroad in 1987. The massive frame from the Diesel engine made it ideal for the heavy duty the work required with its many stops and starts.

For the full size image, click on the photo.

It lay in outside storage in Vancouver until 1994 and, despite all best efforts was severely vandalized. Restoration was undertaken by a husband and wife team of West Coast Railway Association members. It took over a year of dedicated effort it bring the car to its present condition.

Bob Hunter Photo