Built in 1921 by the New York Central’s own shops in Oswego, N.Y., this cupola caboose has a steel frame and a wood body. Part of a group of 115 cars numbered 19001 through 20082 (Lots 427, 468) constructed at Oswego Shops between 1912 and 1923, these wood body cars made up the backbone of the caboose fleet through the 1960s. The original construction cost of No. 19877 was estimated to be about $3600.00. The car is 36 feet in length and features a truss rod underbody design.

New York Central 19877

New York Central 19877, restored in 2015

The caboose was the home away from home for freight train crews, and is where the conductor would keep his office to complete his paperwork and other duties related to train operation. The brakeman would sit in the cupola to observe the train for defects or other issues. Outfitted with bunks, a stove, an icebox, and a toilet, the caboose had everything the crew would need for an overnight stay.

NYC 19877

NYC 19877 retired at Niagara Falls, N.Y., 1972 – Paul Jenter photo

The caboose was used throughout the NYC system, but spent a good deal of its life working around the Rochester area. Surviving into the Penn Central era, the caboose was not retired until 1972. It was sold in 1973 to Roy Verbridge who displayed the car on his property in East Williamson. The family donated the caboose to the museum in August 1987. The caboose was brought in by truck to the museum complex in August 1987, where it saw occasional use on our museum demonstration railroad.

Taken out of service in 2002, museum volunteers have made many repairs including the application of all new tongue and groove siding, new windows, and a complete interior and exterior repainting. While some work remains to repair the roof, major repairs have been completed and the caboose was returned to service in October 2015. This caboose is in regular operation, which you can ride on your next visit to our museum.

Technical Data

  • Built in 1921 at NYC shops in Oswego, N.Y.
  • 36′ long
  • 35,000 lbs.
  • New York Central 19877
  • Penn Central 19877 (1968)
  • Retired 1972
  • Donated 1986
  • Arrived 1987
  • Restored and repaired 2015

Other Preserved 19000s

  • 19144 – Syracuse, N.Y.
  • 19322 – Danbury, Ct.
  • 19224 – Dunkirk, N.Y.
  • 19602 – Buffalo, N.Y.
  • 19509 – Remsen, N.Y.
  • 19969 – Canaseraga, N.Y.