January 2002 Here are two Big Four Caboose Drawings by M.E. Lewman. One is the 'Early' caboose in common use until about 1925. The second is the smaller center cupola caboose in use from 1925 until replaced by the steel caboose of the early 1940s. Both have been digitized and may be printed in landscape mode as HO scale for modeling purposes. Click on the small drawing for the larger 1089x833 version.

A Big Four caboose photo from the Harold K. Vollrath collection, taken in Mattoon, IL in 1953. Note the overhanging cuploa as in the longer early version.

Modelers Note: The AAR Plate B Clearance Diagram would limit these cars to 15' 1" above the railhead for exact scale. Using the NMRA S-7 Clearances would allow up to 20' height for clearance as modeling clearances are wider and taller than the prototype to allow for differences in model building, trucks and wheels .

Maurice worked the Michigan Division from 1947-1981. He then worked on the Bee Line from 1981-1992. From 1947 until august 1950, he worked on the section at Shirley and Markleville. In 1950 he started firing on steam and then on through the diesels. Maurice said, "I had the pleasure of working with C. C. Staley and Ron Buser many times."

Photo Credit
Big Four caboose in Mattoon, IL, 1953 - Harold K. Vollrath collection