The CB&Q Waycar #14584

Train workers monitored the tracks, pulled the hand brake to stop the train, signaled to other trains and stations with lamps, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.