After moving in to the Dickinson-Plocher backyard in San Jose, the WP668 caboose exterior was stripped and painted. We learned that while the wood could be chemically stripped and scraped, the steel straps had to be hit with a hammer to get the paint off. Both decks and the bay window were rebuilt. The hole in the wall was filled in rather than replacing the missing window. WP668 is mostly first growth fir wood (no longer available). Missing wood had to be replaced with clear redwood.
WP668 paint stripped 
Painting started
Rails without yellow paint 
Yellow paint going on – 3 coats each 
Pullman mark on steel strap
Original Western Pacific herald that was under the paint 
2007 WP668 wheel chock, or car stop
Rebuilding deck without original stairs 
Welding the new bay window panel 
Bay window panel welded in
Building the stair frame 
Stairs in development 
Replacing the wood in the bay window
New plum tree in bloom 
Restoring deck on WP668 (on end with original caboose steps)
Except as noted, text and images Copyright 2006-2020 by Katy Dickinson, John Plocher.
All photos are used with permission. All rights reserved.
WP668 Caboose Story 