Historical Information
Our Caboose's History
Tucked here at Eagle Ranch, our bright red caboose isn’t just a cozy piece of Americana — it’s a rolling chapter of railroad history. This caboose began its life on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O), the very first common-carrier railroad in the United States. Built in the late 1950s to mid-1960s at the B&O’s DuBois Shops in Pennsylvania, it belongs to the famous C-26/C-27 series of wide-vision cabooses.
The B&O pioneered this “wide-vision” style — a revolutionary design that allowed the cupola, or raised lookout, to extend outward so train crews could safely see down both sides of taller freight cars. With three side windows and cupola windows on each side, this car matches the early wide-vision models that changed caboose design across America. In many ways, it represents the very beginning of the wide-vision era.
From its first days, this caboose worked the busy Chicago rail lines, where freight from the Midwest met the national rail network. Conductors, brakemen, and flagmen called it home on long journeys, using its little office space to do paperwork and its bunks to rest between duties.
When the B&O merged into the Chessie System in 1972, our caboose likely traded its plain red paint for the famous yellow-and-blue “Chessie Cat” scheme that delighted railfans everywhere. In 1987, Chessie became part of CSX Transportation, and this car rolled into a new chapter under the modern banner of American railroading.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, cabooses were being retired across the industry. Our car was sent south to John Sevier Yard in Knoxville, Tennessee, a major hub where older rolling stock was stored, sold, or scrapped. Thankfully, this caboose was spared — and eventually made its way here, where it has been given new life as part of our farm and retreat.
Today, it stands as more than just a unique place to stay. It is a living artifact of the golden years of American railroading — a true B&O wide-vision caboose, among the very first of its kind in the nation. Its steel walls and flared cupola once watched countless miles of freight roll by. Now, it invites you to step inside, imagine the rumble of the rails, and be part of its ongoing story.
The Transfer & Renovation
The Journey of Our Caboose
In June of 2020, Stephanie and Mary set out on a road trip that would mark the beginning of one of Eagle Ranch’s most unique projects. They drove down to Knoxville, Tennessee, to meet the semi driver who would be transporting a retired caboose from a railway yard all the way to Spencer, Indiana. From the very first moment the caboose was lifted from the tracks, the journey felt extraordinary.
Escorted by a lead vehicle, traffic was stopped in several areas to allow the massive train car to maneuver through tight turns. The escort carried a long pole mounted to the front of the truck, measuring the same height as the caboose. If the pole struck an obstacle, it meant the caboose might too — but thanks to careful planning, the pole never touched. The driver had meticulously mapped out the route, ensuring that every bridge, wire, and roadway had enough clearance for the caboose to pass.
When the convoy finally reached the farm, neighbors and family were ready to lend a hand. Trees and branches were trimmed back in real time as the caboose crept along the narrow drive. At last, the semi rolled up to the heart of the ranch, and Stephanie and Mary climbed aboard the caboose’s deck to ride along for the final stretch. Slowly, the caboose was placed on tracks set just a few feet from the ranch’s largest lake — a spot where it would soon become a centerpiece of both history and hospitality.
Word spread quickly through the community, and before long neighbors and even local police officers stopped by to take a look. Many were curious why a train car had suddenly appeared in the countryside. The caboose sparked excitement and conversation all around, making its arrival a true event for the whole area.
Renovation into a Tiny Home
Once in place, the hard work of transformation began. Frank, along with dedicated helpers, gutted the interior to prepare it for a new life as a tiny home. Progress was slow at times — other projects and everyday life stretched the timeline — but each step brought the caboose closer to its new purpose.
Originally, the interior had been coated in beige paint, a bland, “landlord special” look that erased much of the caboose’s character. Stephanie was determined to restore its authenticity. Years later, as the renovation neared completion, she painted the caboose in its historically accurate colors, giving it back the charm and dignity it deserved.
The interior was decorated with thoughtful touches. Stephanie insisted on creating a small library and reading nook, a cozy space that reflected her lifelong love of books — a passion she shared with Mary. Together, Stephanie and Frank added warmth and personality to every corner, turning the caboose into more than just a lodging space. It became a labor of love.
A New Chapter
At the end of 2024, after years of dedication, the caboose officially opened its doors to guests. What once was a forgotten railcar, abandoned in a Tennessee yard, is now a vibrant and welcoming retreat on the farm. Its journey — from the rails of Knoxville to a peaceful lakeside setting in Indiana — is a story of history preserved, community effort, and the vision to create something truly special.
The caboose is more than a place to stay. It’s a symbol of creativity, resilience, and the unique spirit of Eagle Ranch. Guests who step aboard are not just entering a tiny home; they’re becoming part of a story that began on the tracks and continues to unfold here on the farm.