Chris Gordy wrote:
>
> I am currently working on the restoration of a 1930 caboose.

Folks-

  It seems to me the first thing in the restoration process would be to
find out as much as possible about the railroad the particular caboose
came from. There are historical societies for most North American roads,
and more than a few will have articles on the plans, painting, history,
equipment, etc., of that road's caboose varieties. With plans and
resources, a competent woodworker should be able to repair it.
  The second question would be what your museum's ultimate plans for the
caboose are. Is there to be fidelity to the original prototype? Is the
caboose to represent a specific era or as it appeared at the end of its
service life? Railroads tended to refurbish their company equipment from
time to time, your caboose probably did not appear in 1930 as it does
now.
  I would suspect that you're dealing with a wood caboose with double
sheathed tongue-in-groove construction. Your average French horse car of
World War One is most likely an outside braced wood box. There are
fairly massive differences between the designs of North American and
European cars (let alone between the uses of a 40 & 8 car and a
caboose).
  I recently completed a short report for the White River Valley Museum
in Auburn, Wash., which I am sure they would be willing to mail or fax
you a copy of. Their number is 253 939-2783. Ask for Patricia Cosgrove
or Tina Wray.
  If you need to find a specific historical society, let me know.

Regards,
John Phillips