Conservation Planning For Southern Pacific Caboose No. 4023

FAIN: PG-50227-08

South Coast Railroad Museum (Goleta, CA 93117-1502)
Gary Brian Coombs (Project Director: May 2007 to January 2009)

A conservation assessment of a Southern Pacific Railroad caboose, which is the most significant item in the museum's collection for the interpretation of the historic Goleta Depot, built in 1901 during completion of the route between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The assessment will form the basis for a conservation plan for the caboose, which is heavily used by museum visitors.

The proposed project focuses on a single collection item, Southern Pacific caboose No. 4023, the only piece of railroad rolling stock in the South Coast Railroad Museum's collections. Funds, if awarded, will be used to obtain the services of Brian R. Howard, a professional conservator with a specialization in the care of transportation vehicles. Mr. Howard will conduct a 1.5-day onsite inspection of the vehicle and prepare a conservation planning report. The report will include recommendations for the treatment/stabilization of the vehicle and a budget of projected costs for treating the railcar and all original interior components and equipment.