MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The Conrail Historical Society has orchestrated a trade of two Conrail cabooses to ensure the preservation of both, the organization has announced.
The society has traded former N-20 class wide-vision caboose No. 22130, which it previously owned, to the Garbely Publishing Co. for its former N-21 class bay window caboose No. 21292. Both cabooses are currently stored at the Erie Turntable, a former Erie Railroad servicing facility in Port Jervis, N.Y., operated by TOYX, Inc., the non-profit behind Operation Toy Train.
No. 21292 is one of only 113 cabooses built specifically for Conrail in 1978, and one of only about five to wear the post-1991 “Conrail Quality” scheme. It is the only preserved “Conrail Quality” caboose, is more complete than the 22130, and is considered a better candidate for complete restoration. The historical society is looking to raise about $25,000 to complete No. 21292’s restoration and return it to operation, as well as its move.
“Rudy Garbely has spent several years singlehandedly restoring the No. 21292,” Conrail Historical Society President Brock Kerchner said in a press release, “and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to complete his work while leaving the No. 22130 in his capable hands.”
The trade, completed in September, was announced today (Nov. 16) at the historical society’s quarterly meeting in Middletown. No. 21292 will be moved there, to the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad, where restoration work will continue with society volunteers including Garbely Publishing President Rudy Garbely, a longtime society volunteer. Once restoration is completed, the caboose will be used on Middletown & Hummelstown excursions and in freight operations.
Meanwhile, No. 22130 will remain in Port Jervis. It has been leased to TOYX for use on Operation Toy Train collection trains. Since its acquisition in September, Garbely Publishing has restored the caboose to its 1976 Conrail paint scheme. The interior, which is largely empty, will be refurbished in 2025 for use as a meeting and event space. That caboose will remain available to the historical society in perpetuity for special events.
“I’m honored to be able to help the CRHS pursue its mission through my restoration efforts on both cabooses,” Garbely said, “and I think this trade provides the best possible future for both cars.”
For more information the Conrail Historical Society, or to donate to the nonprofit organization’s restoration of No. 21292, visit the society website.
