Note that the prototype-alongside-model photos on this page were selected only as initiations to the varied car types that can be found in each category.
Not required if all cars in the train can be supplied from the engine.
Note that all cabooses are bi-directional, but a few might not be equipped with a bed or toilet (transfer/work cabooses for example). They have been almost completely replaced with FREDs, except under long reverse runs.
While a Caboose can be slept in, its primary function is to be a look-out cabin. Dormitory cars are designed specifically as sleeping quarters, while Bunk cars will also have a bathroom, kitchenette, and tool space.
Cranes may require refueling in the field (so the wreck clearance train may need to bring a diesel fuel tanker or a coal/water tender).
The Wreck Trains job is to quickly get a crew to an accident scene in order to clear the tracks of blockage, which is done by moving debris off the tracks and performing temporary fixes to get damaged cars moving again. Any cleanup or repairs will later be performed by regular work crews. Besides the wrecker crane, a wreck clearance train will include a car with necessary tools, as well as perhaps a car carrying spare sections of prefabricated track (e.g., rails already connected with some metal ties, which looks similar to antique Lionel sectional track) and/or entire assembled rollingstock truck units for swapping.
All content appearing on this webpage is FREE for personal use, being either expressly created or previously posted as anonymously accessible public on the Internet.