We’re thrilled to share this remarkable glimpse into railroad history: a photograph of our Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (P&LE) Caboose #518 in action, captured by acclaimed rail photographer Roger Durfee on May 15, 1987. The image freezes a pivotal moment in American railroading history when twilight was casting a shadow on the need for cabooses .
The Photo: A Trifecta of P&LE Cabooses
Shared with permission from Durfee, the image shows P&LE cabooses #517, #501, and #518 trailing a northbound freight train near the state line. Durfee’s notes highlight subtle differences between them: #518 sports a longer fuel-fill pipe and curved roof ladders compared to its siblings. All three cars wear the P&LE’s final paint scheme—yellow with bold black lettering.
What makes this image so importnat?
- It freezes P&LE’s final 2 caboose designs in their natural habitat.
- #518’s long fuel pipe and curved ladders. Subtle proof these weren’t cookie-cutter cars.
- A rare “trifecta” shot, taken just years before cabooses vanished from P&LE for good.
From NYC Red to P&LE Yellow: #518’s Colorful Evolution
Built new in 1960 as one of ten bay-window cabooses ordered by the P&LE, #518 initially rolled out in New York Central red, a nod to the railroad’s affiliation with the NYC system. Over the years, she weathered the railroad’s many transitions: repainted in Penn Central’s Jade Green and later the P&LE’s signature yellow after the railroad regained its independence. #518 was built tough to handle the countless miles and crew shifts she would endure over her thirty years of service on the P&LE.
Where Are They Now?
After her service on the P&LE, #517 found a new home on the Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad before being acquired by the Ohio Central in 2005. Meanwhile, #501 also made its way to the Ohio Central and is now rumored to be part of the Age of Steam collection in Sugar Creek, Ohio. As for #518, she’s spent the last 29 years in peaceful retirement at Caboose Falls—her once-vibrant yellow P&LE paint transitioned to a coat of B&O blue, a quiet tribute to another fallen flag. Curious to dive deeper into the history of P&LE cabooses? Explore our growing archive of these iconic cars here.