Welcome to another Big Train Tour at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Today, we’ll be taking a look at Rio Grande Southern caboose No. 0404. Constructed in 1902, this “long caboose” was constructed as this legendary narrow-gauge railroad entered its second decade of service in southwestern Colorado. Acquired by Museum founder Bob Richardson in the early 1950s, this one-of-a-kind survivor has been displayed for decades at the Museum in Golden. In 2025, number 0404 was thoroughly rehabilitated by the car shop team at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Our subject today is a diminutive, wood-bodied caboose home-built in the shops of its parent railroad. Like many rail vehicles and especially narrow-gauge ones, it started its life with a somewhat different appearance. Throughout its service life this caboose was involved in various mishaps, rebuilt and altered several times, and finally retired. Come with me now, as we explore the history of Rio Grande Southern caboose number 0404.
Join Executive Director, Paul Hammond as we explore the history of the only railroad car constructed “new” by the Rio Grande Southern!
Click Here to watch “Big Train Tours: Last of the Flock – RGS Motorcar No. 7”
Click Here to watch “Big Train Tours: RGS “Galloping Goose” Motorcars” playlist.
Click Here to watch “Big Train Tours: Happy 140th Birthday Locomotive No. 346!”
Click Here to watch “Big Train Tours: Rio Grande Southern Locomotive No. 20”
Click Here to watch “Big Train Tours: RGS No. 20’s Off-Site Adventures”
Scripting & narration by Paul Hammond. Music by Mark “Hyce” Huber.
