A Railroader’s Perspective
The restored Union Pacific caboose is now on display in downtown Cheyenne as part of the 15th Street Experience, offering a glimpse into the history and people behind the railroad. Bob Burnham, current Union Pacific yardmaster in Cheyenne, shares what this caboose means to him and to those who worked alongside him.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller
Life indeed moves at an incredible pace, and it’s essential to pause and appreciate the journey. As many of you know, I’ve dedicated my life to working on the railroad. Having grown up next to the Oregon Short Line, a Union Pacific subsidiary, in Soda Springs, Idaho, I always knew this would be my future.
My journey began as a child, tagging along with my grandfather to the grain elevator where he worked in Soda Springs. When he’d send me off to the small depot to visit the railroad guys, I’d eagerly oblige. They’d let me explore the caboose and, sometimes, even take a ride on the locomotive. It was there that my passion for railroading was born.
I embarked on my career at 19, starting as a track laborer in Green River, Wyoming, working on system gangs, specifically the concrete tie gang.
My first assignment took me to Portola, California, where we spent six months rebuilding the Feather River Route, originally a Western Pacific line. It was a daunting task, especially given my limited experience, but it was an adventure that shaped me.
Thirty years have passed since that summer, and I’ve held many positions with Union Pacific along the way. Today, I had the privilege of revisiting a piece of my past.
This Union Pacific caboose was part of our work train, the P8-11, an incredible machine that replaced old wooden ties with modern concrete ones and relayed rails with ease. It was more than just equipment; this caboose was our office, tool car, and sanctuary. We forged unforgettable memories, shared laughter, and built lifelong friendships within its walls. It was our own version of “Hell on Wheels,” a testament to the camaraderie we shared.
Though the caboose’s fate was uncertain after it was sent to Cheyenne many years ago, it was eventually donated to the city.
I’m heartened to know it will be restored to its former glory as part of a railroad display in downtown Cheyenne.
My friend Michael Pannell, a railroad preservation expert, was tasked with restoring it, and I’m thrilled he chose to return it to its original livery.
For me, it’s a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes who keep the trains rolling. This caboose is a reminder of the power of dedication and the importance of appreciating the history of the railroad and the men who built it.
