Help! I need a replacement for this key, We only have one copy, and I need one to access this caboose.
I will be happy to buy it and pay shipping
Picture below

It looks like the same key they used on the passenger cars. That might make it easier to find.

Find a competent, fully-equipped locksmith. This is actually a fairly simple cutting from a blank, to the point where an amateur looking at the right resources and having the right tools can do it; the hard part is (or used to be) procuring the proper blanks. In my major city my locksmith (recommended to me by my landlord) handles everything from sophisticated video-and-alarm security systems to good ol' fashioned "skeleton keys." Duplicating an old-style key like this costs about $25 last time I was in; I've also brought the door or furniture lock to them and had them make a key where I didn't have one for about $40.

I've even found locksmiths in the past that had the capability of replacing switch lock keys--but, of course, they're not going to tell that to the average Joe that walks in off the street with a railroad lock.

EBay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-KELINE- ... SwFqNZQKJx

That item was always, always called a "coach key" by Santa Fe employees. In the 1970s and 1980s (i.e. when I lived along the Santa Fe main line in Illinois) every engineer, conductor, and brakeman had them hanging from their belt by a dog chain type hook, along with any MOW track gang people who used camp cars. They opened doors to all Santa Fe engines, cabooses, and passenger cars, including camp cars that had been converted from former passenger cars. As a bit of trivia, a lot of the time the track gangs would hang their keys precariously on the turn signal of one of their 6-wheeler trucks, I would bet that is what happened with my set, I found them (including a bunch of flat keys for master locks, a whistle and a small crescent wrench!) laying on the ground a week or so after a track gang had left town. I am not interested in selling mine, but if you search around for a Santa Fe coach key I am sure you will find one, there must be thousands of them out there, since they no longer are used on locomotives (they use a regular switch lock that takes a flat key now), the camp cars have mostly all been retired, and no cabooses obviously, so possibly only the executive cars would need them. (Tried to post a photo of mine, it is identical, but I can't seem to get it small enough for it to let me post it).

James L. Howard & Company is still around and making railroad supplies.

Its illustration under "Keys" shows the old style coach keys.

I'm quite sure the key you show is the same as the Santa Fe coach key. Mine is one that was also made by JLH about 40+ years ago. Orange Empire acquired both SP/UP and ATSF coach keys because it had cars using both through an independent railroad equipment manufacture's representative.

Good news! I spoke to Fred at JLH and he identified it as their model 2555. I mailed the check today for 2 keys-one for me!

It's a standard Adams & Westlake key/lock deal. I have several in my collection that are all identical yet all marked (and unmarked) for various railroads. They used these locks on cabeese, coaches, baggage cars...and so fourth. A&W can provide them...glad you found another source. Ebay is another good choice. I doubt you would ever find a locksmith that would tackle this.

Most decent locksmiths still deal with quite a bit of skeleton keys. No uncommon at all. I was quoted 25$ to make one at my local shop.

My mother formerly managed a lock shop, and they kept a wide array in stock. And I mean a locksmith, not a home depot, key cutter.

I don't think real locksmiths exist anymore. They have no ability nor interest in doing anything complicated or challenging. They want to pull your old lock out...install a new "product" and be done with it. Besides that...not sure you will find the variety of skeleton key blanks needed anymore...even the blanks for the little Yale & Towne locks found in passenger cars are unobtainium. If your local locksmith has some...grab them up. Sometimes they appear on Ebay.

A foundry or machinist (if you can find one of those) is more likely to be able to make a copy of that big skeleton key...in 2017.

T7

Yes, "real" locksmiths exist, just like real cobblers, carpenters, and other craftsmen still exist. You may have to beat the bushes looking for them, but they exist. They vary from "time capsules" where they haven't been cleaned out in 50 years to the latest high-tech places that also handle your keyless entry car keys, car remotes, and watch-your-cameras-on-your-cell-phone security systems.

The tough part is figuring out and obtaining either blanks OR keys that can be re-cut for your lock. I've discovered two old keys in my desk-drawer clutter that, with a little work, I can grind down and cut to fit that key I had made for my cedar chest. There's enough information available online to figure out how to deal with most of how to either make a replacement key or defeat an old lock, if you look hard enough--which is why any private caboose owner should install a secondary deadbolt lock as well.

If you are having difficulty, find antique furniture dealers/restorers. They often have 1) boxloads of random old keys and 2) a lead on a locksmith that can handle older furniture/door lock mechanisms.

Good to hear that they were able to oblige you in your quest for the coach keys.

I have a couple of "coach keys" an SP purchased at a Railroad show used with an 1882 narrow gauge combine/caboose, but also would work Caltrain's current equipment (tested under supervision) and a UP caboose key, which works both our 1882 and 1967 UP cabooses, as well as our GP-30

As others have noted good locksmiths can duplicate, as can some of the railroad suppliers, and railroad shows are always a good source...

Randy