During 2008, thanks to the assistance of many friends and volunteers, we continued the caboose restoration/rehab process, making huge progress. Insulation and a new tongue and groove ceiling was installed in both the cupola and main cabin. Floor supports were shored up and a new plywood sub-floor installed. Wood siding - reusing both some original wood and some donated t&g pieces - was added on both the inside and exterior. A SP caboose stove, found by friends at an action in Fresno, was installed where the long-gone GN coal stove used to be. Interior painting and some welding repairs were made. Several windows were rebuilt and installed. Preparation was initiated for exterior painting. The conductor's seat was reupholstered and reproductions of the original black bench cushions were made thanks to the help of Sharon LoMonaco at the River Run Gallery in downtown Weed.

The original GN coal stove was gone from X746 when we took ownership. Luckily some friends found an old Southern Pacific caboose stove at an auction in central California and donated to us. Originally these stoves burned coal.

Outdoor caboose workbench. No rain all summer meant lots of smoke from nearby forest fires but no worries about tools getting wet.

As Fall approaches, the caboose interior is starting to take shape.

Newly upholstered conductor's chair and bench cushions installed in December, 2008 thanks to Sharon at the River Run Gallery in Weed (www.river-run-gallery.com).

By late Fall of 2008 the caboose exterior is partially primed in preparation for a new coat of paint to be added next Spring. Several rebuilt windows have been installed. A new stovepipe has been installed and the front ladder rewelded together.