Cabooses
Reading Northeastern Style Wood Caboose #92938
The Hershey Caboose
The Caboose was built in September of 1942, when steel was redirected to the war effort during World War II. The platform and supporting framework were steel, but the carbody was primarily made of wood. Wood was replaced as a material to construct caboose exteriors in the 1920s, making 92938 a rare car. After retirement by the Railroad in 1969, it was sold to Hershey Park where it was first used as an exhibit open to visitors to inspect and walk through. Later it was converted into the “The Lost Children’s Caboose” where parents could be reunited with their wayward sons and daughters. The caboose remained in the park until 2014 when a new amusement ride required additional space.
The Little Red Caboose as seen at Hershey Park circa 1970.
The Hershey Caboose undergoing restoration at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.
The caboose was then donated to the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society (RCT&HS). Volunteers then constructed track for the addition to the collection at the new Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg Pa. The condition of the exterior wood had deteriorated, and the car was earmarked for a full restoration. Using the recently constructed (2022) Railcar Protection Building, the car has been completely resided by dedicated RCT&HS volunteers. In 2026 the car has been repainted and prepped for lettering and numbering. The wood used was donated by an RCT&HS committee chair, milled and carefully installed by volunteers. Look for the restored Hershey Caboose on your next visit to the dynamic Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.