Built by the Missouri Pacific Railroad (MP) in the late 70’s, the cabooses fondly known as the “shorty bay-window” caboose was of MP design.  The minimalist design can easily be seen just by looking at the interior, lacking the “luxuries” found on larger cabooses, there was little in the way of comfort to be found.  With only three seats inside, two were found on either bay-window and one at a small desk for the conductor to complete his task as needed.  Notably, these would be the last cabooses constructed for the MP as the end of both the MP as a railroad and the end of the services of cabooses was only a few years away. 

 

The MP 13777 was built in December 1977 by the MP’s DeSoto and Sedalia shop forces, classified as a SBW-1 (13542, 13715-13814).  Retired June 10th, 1990, the caboose was donated to the City of Brazoria, TX, its home until November 2023 when the 13777 was moved to Cresson, TX after being sold to a private owner.  Between November 2023 and March 2024, the property the car sat on, along with the car, was sold to another party.  The new owner had no interest in using the 13777 as part of his plans and listed the car on Craigslist.  After contacting the new owner and a brief conversation, the MP 13777 was donated to SARHM.  Moved down in April 2024 to our Elmendorf Yard location, the car is awaiting restoration, expected to begin late spring 2025.