In the past, all freight trains had cabooses – a car at the end of the train with a two-fold function: for the use of the train crew and railroad workers with seating, a stove, beds and more; as well as for safety reasons, as the crew or brakemen could watch along the length of the train and ensure there weren’t any problems.

But cabooses became obsolete due to technology and improved legislation regarding working conditions, and you seldom see them anymore. End of Train Devices (EOTs) are now used and communicate with the head locomotive, transmitting information on the air brake pressure of the train. Additionally, with the improvement and legislation in working conditions worldwide, cabooses are no longer necessary as the crew are not sleeping and eating on the trains, due to being replaced by new crews every 8 hours or so.

That’s the theory, but the reality is that there are some freight routes where crews cannot be replaced, as the distances involved and the locations the train goes through make this logistically impossible. This was the case for our client’s goods trains that traverse remote routes in southern Africa on a regular basis.

The trains travel exceptionally long distances with a crew of three, comprising two train drivers and one engineer, through vast and diverse landscapes with minimal places to stop, rest and refresh. The freight train operators needed to ensure the crew could sleep, prepare food, wash and be as comfortable as possible on their lengthy trips. Adding a passenger carriage was not possible but Container Conversions (Pty) Ltd developed the ideal solution.

A freight car with a completely self-sustaining container loaded on it became the quarters for the crew. Designed and built by Container Conversions, the caboose container has its own water and electricity supply with a generator and air-conditioning, as well as vents in the back section. A storeroom houses a large water tank.

Power plug points throughout the caboose container follow UK specifications to align with electrical requirements in the region.

Additionally, the caboose container has a kitchen kitted out with a stove, fridge, sink, counters and storage cupboards so that the crew can easily prepare meals.

Concertina doors lead off the passage into two small bedrooms, complete with double bunk beds, reading lights, electrics and air-conditioning. Each bedroom has its own specially sourced train window as well for natural light and ventilation.

The shared bathroom comprises a shower, chemical toilet with access port for servicing, and washbasin with the geyser (water heater) providing hot water.

All fittings and furniture were provided by Container Conversions in line with its ‘one stop shop’ philosophy.

Of exceptional importance when designing this caboose container was its robust design – with suspension not being a high priority for goods trains, it was imperative the container was robust and rigid in order to ensure longevity and the best comfort possible for the crew.

Container Conversions built four of these units which are now in service on various routes throughout southern Africa, ensuring goods and materials are transported safely, by a happy and well-rested crew.