#9384 Caboose

For over 100 years, the caboose was as much a part of the freight train as the locomotive. Placed at the end of the train, the caboose was home to the conductor, brakeman, and flagman, providing a vantage point for trainmen to watch for signs of trouble and living quarters where men slept, cooked, ate, and caught up on paperwork. Now the end of the train has seen the end of its era; replaced by an EOT (end of train device) that is safer and cheaper to maintain. Caboose #9384 was built in 1966 and featured a wide-vision cupola for maintaining a watchful eye over the train ahead.

Caboose #9384 was given to the City of McComb City by the Mid-South Railroad after having acquired it from ICRR. She often saw service our of the McComb yards, harboring railroad men from McComb as well as other location. Normally, a crew that was assigned to a caboose stayed with that particular caboose. Although we think of the "red" caboose's exterior, the interiors were often painted and decorated in a way to suit the tastes of the crew with such trappings as curtains, artwork, easy chairs, and an array of personalized touches. Some crews were legendary for their culinary skills, preparing meals as simple as hot cakes or as varied and delicious as a holiday feast.