Lehigh & New England caboose #512 is a four-wheel "Bobber", built by American Car & Foundry. The car was part of a six-car order from ACF built around 1914 or 1915. The car has a steel underframe and is sheathed in wood. There is some evidence that #512 may have had a cupola when built. If it did, it was removed before coming to the WK&S. During the 1960s #512 was used as a static display as part of an ill-fated historical museum. This collection of "museum" equipment was located on the back track behind Kempton Station and also included 0-4-0 Cooke locomotive #3, CNJ business car #98, B&O coach #X4111 and P&R coach #1055. The caboose was pulled off the back track in 1978 and underwent a full restoration. Although fully functional, the caboose was never used on scheduled trains. After 25 years out in the weather, the caboose underwent another full restoration in 2003. The caboose is mostly used as sleeping accommodations for volunteers wishing to spend the night. However, the car may be chartered and has been included in Photo Freight Specials.
An early shot of #512 when it was part of the museum display on the back track. The caboose is coupled between the model railroad car #72 and Cooke 0-4-0 #3. I don't believe that #512 was ever lettered for the WK&S, but note how the LNE paint scheme is slightly different from the one worn today. |