[RITSlist] Rock Island Steel Caboose Roof

[Steve and Barb Hile]

Caboose 17898 appears in two fresh paint photos in the RI Color Guide on page 99.  These pictures are about 4 and a half years apart.  What is interesting is that it strongly appears that the car received a new roof and running boards in the process.  The 1960 photo shows the standard wood covered with canvas roof and wood running boards.  The 1964 photo  shows raised ribs in the roof and, apparently, steel grid running boards.  Note that there is no lateral running board across the near side of the cupola, either.

The questions are:

What kind of metal roof was used?  Diagonal Panel?  Other?

What kind of metal grid running board?

Why was this done?

Any others?

Does anyone have or can point me to photos that would better show this roof?

The RITS site has a list that reports this caboose is at Bob's Tie Yard in, or near, Memphis, in case any members have access or can confirm any of this.

Thanks for any help.

Regards,
Steve Hile

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