Caboose No. 4023 has been a beloved attraction at the South Coast Railroad Museum since 1986. This historic bay-window caboose is open during special events, offering visitors the chance to explore its interior. Inside, you’ll find historical photographs and detailed information on how cabooses like No. 4023 served as both an office and living space for train crews.
A Journey to Goleta Depot
The South Coast Railroad Museum acquired Southern Pacific No. 4023 from the railroad’s yard in Colton, California, in 1986. The caboose was retired from active service and delivered to the Goleta Lemon Spur at La Patera Lane, just two miles from the museum, on September 21 of that year. It remained there for four days before being carefully transported to its new home at Lake Los Carneros Park on September 25.
The move required disassembling the caboose’s wheel assemblies and transporting the parts using two trucks, with transportation services generously donated by Dennis Romero Heavy Hauling and Marton Trucking. Specialty Crane & Rigging handled the crane work at both ends of the journey.
The caboose was officially unveiled to the public during an open house on Depot Day, October 19, 1986.
A Modernized Workhorse
Built in 1961 by the Pacific Car and Foundry Company, Caboose No. 4023 originally bore a number within the 1400-1599 range. In 1973, Southern Pacific remodeled this C-40-4 class caboose as part of a modernization program. The upgrades included:
- A taller center bay
- Double “frog-eye” roof-mounted marker lights
- External fuel tank
- Roller bearing trucks
- Axle-hung generator
- Improved radio equipment
- Roof walks and end ladders
- A chemical-retentive toilet replacing the old sewer chute
- Additional windows
The caboose was also repainted with a mineral-red exterior featuring safety-orange bays and end walls, and it was renumbered as No. 4023.
Photo Credit: Brian Paul Ehni, taken on October 12, 1983, in Kirby, Texas.
Explore More
Interested in more historical insights? Visit our Goleta Depot and Freight Office pages to discover more about the Southern Pacific Railroad and its impact on the Goleta Valley.