Discovering piece of history connected to our cabooses is always exciting. So, stumbling upon a photograph of our bay window caboose, P&LE 518, in James T. Bradley’s “Cabooses of North America Volume 2” was a big deal. The 1977 image taken at Ashtabula, Ohio, shows the caboose in its New York Central Jade Green livery. This is our only photograph of 518 in this paint scheme.
P&LE 518: No Stranger to Print
This isn’t the first time P&LE 518 has been in a railroad publication. The caboose also appeared in “Cabins, Crummies, and Hacks.”
A Slew of Schemes
P&LE 518 has enjoyed a colorful life, wearing four distinct paint schemes over the years. Its journey began in 1960, painted in the classic railroad red. Later, it it was repainted to New York Central’s jade green, followed by P&LE yellow. Finally, the caboose arrived at Caboose Falls with the familiar blue of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
Preserving a Legacy
P&LE 518 is a piece of history. Discovering photographs and records like this helps us tell the story of this car. Have you spotted P&LE 518 in any other books or photographs? We’d love to hear from you and add your findings to the growing history of our beloved caboose!