Friends of the Q,
MRL uses the cabooses to operate remote control units while switching in
yard limits. The cabooses contain the electronics.
Here is the full
answer, off the GN List:
1. How come they still use cabooses and hardly anyone
else does?
The MRL mainly uses them to house remote control electronics.
The caboose is connected to a locomotive through the m.u. cables and allows an
operator on the ground with a remote control pack to then control the locomotive
for switching moves, within yard limits. MRL has a few "regular" cabooses for
switching crews on locals, and for long backup moves. There is a good article
about MRL operations in this month's TRAINS magazine.
2. The large white
light on its roof makes sense, but I don't remember such lights on cabooses in
the past. What did they do when backing up a train? Didn't they need a white
light on the rear car?
This is a locomotive headlight, as this caboose is
a remote control unit and is technically a part of the locomotive consist. (Note
the m.u. hoses on the end.)
3. The lettering on the side of the car says
"remote control caboose," what can you tell me about remote control cabooses?
As noted, it actually is the means MRL uses to house the remote control
receivers and other electronics that allow a man on the ground to control a
locomotive. Most railroads prefer to modify a loco itself to have this
capability. MRL likes the flexibility of having a remote control car that can be
mated to any locomotive through the m.u. connections.
4. Did GN own
remote control cabooses?
No. The BN had some EMD B units that were converted
to RCUs to control locomotives in the middle or rear of a freight train (i.e.
for distributed power, similar to the DPUs today).
Chuck Hatler