Sandblast and Prime B&O Caboose C2493

Built in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s Keyser Shops, the C2493 is an example of one of the famous “wagontop” style bay window cabooses. They were given this name due to the unique rounded construction where the side sheets met the roof. The car was built in 1942 as part of Class I-12. Our caboose is from the first production run of 100 cars (C2400-C2499) built between 1941 and 1942.

Caboose C2493 continued to serve its new owner Chessie System after 1972, and CSX Transporation after 1980. In 1985, it was sold to the Rochester & Southern Railroad where it was used in local service around Rochester. It was then sold to a private individual before it was purchased by two museum members, and partially repainted into B&O blue and yellow. The caboose was donated to our museum at the end of 2021. Less than a dozen of this style caboose have been preserved!

Caboose 2493 is currently inside our Restoration Shop getting cleaned out and evaluated for restoration by our volunteers. As part of its initial repairs, holes in the roof will be patched, and the outside of the caboose will be professionally sandblasted and primed. We are raising money to pay for this professional service this September. A donation in any amount will help us reach our goal.

More information about Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum: Founded in 1937, the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum preserves Rochester's rich railroading heritage for future generations to enjoy through the restoration and operation of historic trains and preservation of significant artifacts. We are the largest operating railroad museum in New York State.