The image of a little red caboose trundling along behind a long freight train is a classic slice of Americana. With the help of nearly 300 marvelous modern and historical images depicting cabooses of all colors, this collection traces the development of this iconic, bygone rolling stock from the nineteenth century to their almost total demise by the mid-1990s. Bobber, cupola, bay window, and transfer cabooses are shown at work across the United States, in the process presenting the grand geographic scope of North American railroading. The photography is accompanied by detailed captions discussing caboose construction, function, history, and locations depicted. - Amazon.com.

This book contains exterior and interior photos, many taken from the railway's own public relations photo collection, as well as floor plan drawings offering new insight into this important element in the AT&SF passenger operations in the steamlined lightweight era. Modelers will also find the material presented of interest and value in their projects. Although representing only a small part of the Santa Fe's huge passenger fleet, the subject is of great interest since the observation cars not only provided lounge space, but carried the tail-sign of named trains, and in themselves often represented the train's status and class.

Railroads and the American People is a sparkling paean to American railroading by one of its finest historians.