In 1987 the Burlington Northern Railroad donated transfer caboose #11474 to the West Coast Railway Association. For some 23 years this unique caboose traveled the rails of firstly the Great Northern and finally the Burlington Northern in and around Vancouver. In 1964 the Great Northern constructed four transfer cabooses in their shops at St Cloud Minnesota. utilizing the frame and trucks of retired Baldwin model VO-1000 yard switchers. A 15 foot long steel cabin was placed at the mid point of the engine frame with the remainder of the frame covered with steel grating. Appropriate railings and handrails were applied and the cars were painted in the standard Great Northern caboose red colour. The cabooses were numbered X-177, X-178, X-179, and X-180. Of the four, only X-180 was to be preserved at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.

History:

• Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works
• Model VO-1000
• Construction number 69785
• Delivered to Great Northern Nov. 10, 1943 as # 5337
• Class SW-5
• Weight: 241,000 lbs
• Tractive effort: 60,275 lbs.
• Renumbered to GN 137 March 13, 1944
• Converted to transfer caboose X-180 July 24, 1964.
• Renumbered to X-325 January, 1970
• Renumbered to Burlington Northern 11474 January 1974.
• Donated to the West Coast railway Assn. October 14, 1987.

For the full size images, click on the photos.

GN X180 at New Westminster July 1968 Ron Anstey Photo

BN 11474 at the Heritage Park Sept. 1998 Greg Chadwick Photo

When received from the BN, the caboose was in fairly good condition for a car that had been in service for 23 years. There was minimal exterior decay, however the interior needed work. Clearly it was not up to display standards for the Heritage Park. The challenge of restoring BN 11474 was taken up by members Gerry and Jo Black and their family and the results are a credit to their hard work and dedication. The exterior of the caboose was de-rusted and completely re-painted in BN colours. The interior was cleaned and re-painted with some plywood wall panels replaced. Old walkover coach seats provided seating for the crewmen. These were restored, painted and re upholstered.

The caboose has proved to be a popular exhibit at the Heritage Park with many visitors commenting on its unique character. A fitting remembrance of the Great Northern and Burlington Northern in Vancouver.