I am attempting to track down an Elgin, Joliet & Eastern caboose built in 1923 (almost certainly wood) that supposedly is in California lettered for the Sierra Railroad. The Sierra website does not list any cabooses (there is a photo of a "modern" UP steel cupola caboose but no mention of anything else.) This caboose is supposedly owned (or was owned) by a gentleman named Curt Bianchi. I am trying to determine:

1. IF the caboose exists.

2. Where it is located today if it does.

3. What was the EJ&E road number.

Any help that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

midlandblb@cs.com

> I am attempting to track down an Elgin,
> Joliet & Eastern caboose built in 1923
> (almost certainly wood) that supposedly is
> in California lettered for the Sierra
> Railroad. The Sierra website does not list
> any cabooses (there is a photo of a
> "modern" UP steel cupola caboose
> but no mention of anything else.) This
> caboose is supposedly owned (or was owned)
> by a gentleman named Curt Bianchi. I am
> trying to determine:

> 1. IF the caboose exists.

> 2. Where it is located today if it does.

> 3. What was the EJ&E road number.

The caboose is presently located at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California, operated by the California State Railroad Museum. Here is the information I have on it:

Built by or for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern(? number unknown) in 8/1923(? date found when residing car. Also found 1956.). Sold to SRR as #7 "at the same time as the diesels were acquired", ca 1956. Plywood siding added 1962. Sold to Larry Ingold in 1987, restored with tongue & groove siding in 1989. Sold to Curt Bianchi in late 1995, stored at Jamestown, on loan to Railtown 1897 SHP.

Hope that helps. I'd be most interested in additional information that you hmay have.

kylewyatt@aol.com