TOM BRADSHAW'S C&O Caboose 90853 NATURAL BRIDGE, VIRGINIA 540 463 2521 tom@guestcaboose.com

Several years ago I acquired this 1926 model wood sided Chesapeake & Ohio caboose and decided it would be fun to try to restore it to some of it's former glory. Getting it to my site and placing it on ballast, ties and rails seemed to be a formidable task but was accomplished with the aid of a 100 ton crane and two low boy trailers.  Several years of studying and work have resulted in a refined and special restoration. The exterior represents the caboose as it might have appeared on the rails in the mid nineteen thirties.

The interior has been refined with western red cedar walls, cherry floors and original curved wood ceiling.  It has a bedroom, bath, galley.   I have collected railroad memorabilia including signal lanterns, pictures of cabooses of this vintage in action, marker lights and information about the history of cabooses and placed them inside for your enjoyment.

Now for the particulars. In the bedroom there is a double captain's bed, custom made by Ohio Amish, with memory foam mattress and drawers for storage underneath. The bath has a shower. In the front room there is a galley with fridge, two burner stove, convection microwave, coffee maker and kitchen and dining utensils as well as table ware.  There is a day bed in the front room which can be used as a single bed. Also, I have placed a lcd TV with DVD and connected to satellite TV in the front room along with a wave radio cd player.   The caboose has central heat and a/c.  The cupola can be accessed by children via ladder steps on the hall wall.  These are the original steps used by the crew to access the cupola seats which I had to remove.

Outside there is a large brick patio with a curved native rock wall for outside activities. Here you will find a gas fire pit for cool evenings by the "Hobo Fire".  I have placed  a cast iron stew pot for use as a wood fire pit for cooking hot dogs or roasting marshmallows. There is also a gas grill for cook outs.

The caboose is very small (about 200 square feet) and I have tried to use every bit so that it will be comfortable, fun and efficient.  If you are tall (over 6 feet)  it would be wise to find other lodging. 

Children can sleep on the day bed.  It is six feet long but only 2 feet wide. It might be a good idea to bring sleeping bags for small children.    I am not sure about the cupola for sleeping.  Time will tell--.  

The caboose is on property with my log cabin vacation rental. More information on my cabin at http://www.VirginiaLogCabin.com

Now about our area.  Lexington, Natural Bridge and Rockbridge County offer much for the visitor to do.  Our area is one of history, beautiful scenery, and magnificent geological features.  There is much more information than this space permits at http://www.lexingtonvirginia.com.   Also, there is more information about canoeing, tubing and kayaking at Twin Rivers Outfitters which is located over at Glasgow about 5 miles on Rt. 130.   Also the Link Museum in Roanoke ( 35 miles) is a wonderful addition to our area with much to see and do http://www.linkmuseum.org

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