Waycar #14584
Built in 1881 in Aurora, IL Original location: Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Burlington Northern Railroad Primary use: Staff lounge, conductor’s office, operational duties. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q or Burlington) instead used the term “waycar.” The waycar was developed as a vehicle to carry crewmen who operated the trains. Waycars had multiple accommodations and items to allow the crew to work effectively as they traveled many hours up and down the train lines: beds for sleeping, a stove for heating and cooking, benches to sit and stow items away, and more. At one time, waycars were permanently assigned to a specific conductor who made the car his home on wheels. The Lisle Park District brought this car to the complex in 1998. Lisle Heritage Society members have made reproductions of some original components, and museum artifacts are on display to represent a historic piece of railroad equipment and way of life no longer seen in Illinois.
Waycar #14584 cupola plaque (1998) by Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (CB&Q) RailroadThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
A waycar is the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad’s name for a train’s caboose. It was attached at the end of a train where railroad workers spent much of their time.
Waycar #14584 (1881) by Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (CB&Q) RailroadThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Train workers monitored the tracks, pulled the hand brake to stop the train, signaled to other trains and stations with lamps, and more.
Waycar #14584 conductor's desk reproduction (1881) by Lisle Heritage Society volunteersThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
The conductor was in charge of the train and his office was here. There were places for paperwork, pens, and seat and back cushions.
He received messages from the railroad’s main dispatch and sent messages to the engineer driving at the front of the train.
Waycar #14584 coal stove (1998) by Replication of original coal stoveThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
This coal stove is what a typical railroad-issued potbelly stove would have looked like. Notice the potbelly shape and flat area on top for cooking.
Waycar #14584 coal skuttle and car jack stand (1881) by BNSFThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
This iron tool was used as a train car jack to move cars, by hand, by lifting from one track to another. A long pole tool was placed inside the tube section for leverage.
Waycar #14584 cupola and storage bunks (1881) by Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy (CB&Q) RailroadThe Museums at Lisle Station Park
Train workers, like the brakeman and the signalman, worked in the cupola area. They could see the whole train and the tracks from up here. If workers noticed something was wrong, they let the train’s conductor know to decide what to do.
The Museums at Lisle Station Park
A cooperative effort of the Lisle Park District, Lisle Heritage Society, and Village of Lisle
921 School Street, Lisle, IL 60532
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Phone: 630-968-0499
Email: museum@lisleparkdistrict.org
www.lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark.html
