CABOOSE #556
PROJECT
Caboose 556 was a favorite with the SR&RL crews, who nick-named it "Broadway".
These side-door cars hauled express, mail and lumbermen to the logging camps. Many's the Franklin County child who rode to school in these cars in the days before busses.
556 (and 557 at Maine Narrow Gauge, Portland) survive of a class of 3 cars, including 558. On 556, the sub-floor is laid diagonal and the finish floor, the length of the car. The cupola-end door is a left hand door. 557's sub-floor is laid across the car and the finish floor, diagonal. Both end doors on 557 are right-hand.
Long stored behind the Historical House in Phillips, #556 had had it's interior seats removed many years ago. These were replicated in 1999.
Roland Boulette, of Maine Central's Waterville Shops did considerable repairs on this car in the 1980's.
In 2000, Caboose 556 got new windows, built by Gene Milgram. One platform was rebuilt and the second coupler was hung.
View from the cupola end, 1999.
The two long benches have storage under them.
The dark green "settee" at the right center is the coal box.
The stove is original, set in concrete.
Note the pair of gloves hanging from the roof. There are clothespins, apparently dating to SR&RL days, screwed to the rafter. Perfect for drying wet gloves over the stove!
View toward the cupola end, 1999.
The desk is original SR&RL, car ??? unknown. It was in Caboose 559 from 1988 to 1999.
The desk is a fold down from the cupola. It is shown here in its opened position. Note the racks to hold the Conductor's paperwork. In use, it blocks the side door opposite the stove.
View from the cupola end, 10/1/2000.
View toward the cupola end, 10/1/2000.
View of cupola structure from side door, 10/1/2000.
Projects for 2001 include refinishing the floor, additional paint on the outside and replacement of steps. Window hardware is being cleaned and repaired.
Page URL: http://www.srrl-rr.org/Projects/Caboose_556/Caboose_556.htm
Copyright 2001, Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad
Webmaster: Bob Troup (webmaster@srrl-rr.org)
Revised: 11/29/2006
View from the cupola end, 1999.
View toward the cupola end, 1999.
View from the cupola end, 10/1/2000. 
View toward the cupola end, 10/1/2000. 
View of cupola structure from side door, 10/1/2000.