At first glance caboose SLSF 1154 appears to be like any other Frisco wood, three-window caboose that is nearing the end of its career. It has been re-numbered from 154 into the new numbering scheme, and it has received plywood siding. The marker lamp brackets are gone, and a square of red Scotchlite serves as a marker. The end ladders, cupola grab irons, and running board are gone. Two items catch the eye that distinguishes the SLSF 1154 from any other Frisco, wood caboose that I have ever seen. Note the numeral 54 on the cupola. The crew who used this caboose must have had some stroke. Check out those aluminum windows! I believe that this car was used on the Central Division local. Shot was taken on the out of the way south side of the Monett, MO yard during the summer of 1974.
Very interesting photo, Karl. Thanks for sharing. This would definitely make an interesting modeling project. Looks like maybe the end support for the roof walk is there but that the roof walk running boards themselves are gone. This no need for ladders. Wonder what the little "U" shaped brackets on the underframe are? I do not recall seeing these on other cabooses.
Chris, The brackets were used to carry towing cables and chains. John Henderson's error-filled book, Cabins, Crummies and Hacks, Vol 4: The Southwest, shows cabooses SLSF 1140 and SLSF 1128 with the same brackets. The caboose SLSF 1128 has a cable and chain in place. KEB
