MP “East One” Caboose
The Missouri Pacific (MP) “East One” (EO) has some special history behind it. Considered to be a “Wartime Caboose,” these cabooses were called Baggage-Coach cabooses. They hold the unique distinction of being the first all steel, all welded cabooses on the MP roster.
Primarily used on branch lines, these cabooses could carry 10 people on cushioned bench seats. Coming in at 42ft 2in, the caboose also sports a 22ft 2in baggage section used for moving LCL (less-than-car-load) loads for smaller customers.
Constructed in two groups, the first group built in November 1939, being the cars numbered 1150-1154 and the second group built December 1940 into early 1941, cars numbered 1155 – 1158. Modernized in the late 1960’s, the divider between the passenger and freight compartments was removed, one of the stoves was removed and eventually the baggage doors were welded shut. The last of these cabooses was retired in 1987, with only one known preserved one, the MP 1155, can found at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation.
It is unknown as to which car was used to create the “East One,” but prior to retirement, the caboose was pulled into the shops and rebuild into a “safety classroom” and was commonly seen accompanying the MP “HERBIE” boxcar.
Later remarked for the new owner, post merger, the Union Pacific (UPRR) later sold the caboose in the early 2000s to Pemex and moved to their facility in Deer Park, TX. The plan for it at that time was to used it for employee events, but due to liability concerns, this plan was never enacted. Instead, the caboose had sat on a spur at the Deer Park Plant, not being used for anything.
In 2024, SARHM members were made aware of the existence of this caboose there at Deer Park and connections were made. After several conversations, it was decided that the caboose would be donated to SARHM for the purpose of preservation and restoration.
It is our plan to restore the caboose back to its MP appearance, including the two RV style AC unit that had been equipped by the MP after its conversion to a classroom. The battery box, which is missing, will be fabricated and the Arkansas Razorback logo that once adorned the box, will be placed in the same fashion on the new box. Currently, the EO is sitting at Deer Park, awaiting inspection and stenciling for movement to our Elmendorf location.
The Missouri Pacific (MP) “East One” (EO) has some special history behind it. Considered to be a “Wartime Caboose,” these cabooses were called Baggage-Coach cabooses. They hold the unique distinction of being the first all steel, all welded cabooses on the MP roster.
Primarily used on branch lines, these cabooses could carry 10 people on cushioned bench seats. Coming in at 42ft 2in, the caboose also sports a 22ft 2in baggage section used for moving LCL (less-than-car-load) loads for smaller customers.
Constructed in two groups, the first group built in November 1939, being the cars numbered 1150-1154 and the second group built December 1940 into early 1941, cars numbered 1155 – 1158. Modernized in the late 1960’s, the divider between the passenger and freight compartments was removed, one of the stoves was removed and eventually the baggage doors were welded shut. The last of these cabooses was retired in 1987, with only one known preserved one, the MP 1155, can found at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation.
It is unknown as to which car was used to create the “East One,” but prior to retirement, the caboose was pulled into the shops and rebuild into a “safety classroom” and was commonly seen accompanying the MP “HERBIE” boxcar.
Later remarked for the new owner, post merger, the Union Pacific (UPRR) later sold the caboose in the early 2000s to Pemex and moved to their facility in Deer Park, TX. The plan for it at that time was to used it for employee events, but due to liability concerns, this plan was never enacted. Instead, the caboose had sat on a spur at the Deer Park Plant, not being used for anything.
In 2024, SARHM members were made aware of the existence of this caboose there at Deer Park and connections were made. After several conversations, it was decided that the caboose would be donated to SARHM for the purpose of preservation and restoration.
It is our plan to restore the caboose back to its MP appearance, including the two RV style AC unit that had been equipped by the MP after its conversion to a classroom. The battery box, which is missing, will be fabricated and the Arkansas Razorback logo that once adorned the box, will be placed in the same fashion on the new box. Currently, the EO is sitting at Deer Park, awaiting inspection and stenciling for movement to our Elmendorf location.