Regarding 'Shove Cars';

Around 2003-4, the UTU complained to a great extent about this problem, eventually taking the carrier to arbitration. Basically, when a trainman is required to hang on the side of a car in a shove move for more than one mile, a caboose shall be provided. Penalty for not providing a canoose is CA Code HO, which pays 25 miles at straight road miles ($42.61). By constantly denying these valid claims, the carrier was forced to arbitrate their position. Concurrently, the situation provided an environment where the cabooses were mechanically converted to a new class of car, called a shove car. Of primary UTU complaint was that it is really a boarded up caboose, and that a caboose is supposed to have seats, toilet, heating device, etc.; beyond just a place to stand, therefore the calims were valid.

Ultimately, the arbitrator sided with the railroad (of course), reasoning that the carrier has the right to create a new class of car, and that the original nomenclature of a caboose (toilet, seats, heating device, etc. ) were previously rendered unnecessary through the elimination of cabooses nationwide 25 years ago. The UTU was defeated in their efforts to protect this claim, and so we now have this class of car.

Of further interest, not all cars were plated over. If I'm not mistaken the caboose in Richmond (look for a safety-styled slogan stenciled in white lettering on the side) is accessible. Both cabooses in Fresno (BN) are accessible, as well as the one in Riverbank. Bakersfield also has a Santa Fe caboose, but I can't remember if you can stretch out in that one or not. None of these are maintained by the carrier inasmuch as creature comforts are concerned.

Finally, Work Trains are still required to have a caboose, and some locations (La Mirada) use them regularly.