Have you ever wondered what stories a caboose could tell if it could talk? We’re obsessed with uncovering the histories of our three cabooses. Every detail we discover feels like unlocking a piece of the past, and recently, we had the pleasure of talking with Charlie Bowyer, a true railroad enthusiast, to dig deeper into the story of one of our cabooses.
Meeting Charlie: A Railroad Man with a Heart of Gold
Researching the history of our cabooses has always been one of the most rewarding parts of the Caboose Falls project. It’s like putting together a giant puzzle, and every piece we find brings us closer to understanding the operating lives of these railcars before they found their way to us. When we started looking into the history of our Reserve Mining caboose, we were lucky enough to connect with Charlie Bowyer—a guy who knows trains like the back of his hand.
Charlie’s passion for railroads runs deep. He’s not just a fan; he’s lived it. As the former operator of the Kiski Junction Railroad he’s got decades of experience and a treasure trove of stories to share. When we reached out to him with questions about the Reserve Mining caboose, he didn’t just give us answers—he filled in gaps we didn’t even know existed. It was like he handed us a missing chapter.
Through the Lens of History: P&LE 518 in 1978
One of the coolest moments in our conversation with Charlie was when he shared a photo he took back in 1978. The picture, snapped in Beaver, PA, shows our Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Bay Window Caboose 518 trailing a Penn Central coal train. The caboose is decked out in its classic jade green paint, looking every bit the hardworking railcar it once was.
Seeing that photo was like stepping into a time machine. It’s not every day you get to see one of your cabooses in action, especially from over 40 years ago. Photos like this are priceless—they connect us to the railroads, the crews, and the countless miles these cars traveled.
Why This Kind of Collaboration is So Special
Working with people like Charlie is what makes this project so meaningful. The railroad community—whether it’s historians, enthusiasts, or former railroaders—has been incredibly generous with their time, memories, and knowledge. It’s their stories and photos that bring our cabooses’ histories to life.
As we continue renovating these railcars and uncovering their pasts, we’re reminded of how important it is to preserve these pieces of history. And we couldn’t do it without folks like Charlie, who are willing to share their passion and expertise with us.
Get Involved!
Do you have photos, stories, or memories of our cabooses, or Caboose Falls? We’d love to hear from you! Your contributions could help us piece together even more of these incredible histories.