I've noticed in several photos taken on the CPR's Vermont line during
the early diesel years, 1949 and into the early 1950s, that there was
sometimes a (presumably second) caboose on the head pin behind the two
ALCo cab units. I assume there was also the usual caboose on the rear
end of the train as well. What was the purpose of this extra caboose
on the head end? Was it for use by the engine crew while laying over
at White River Junction or did it have something to do perhaps with
other operational aspects of the early diesel days (ALCo field
personnel and/or CPR engineering department riders, etc.)?
Thank you.
John S. Horvath
