Did Flexi-van trains use cabooses?

[PennCentral1970]

The 2008 Penn Central calendar for August has a photo of three PC E8s leading a Flexi-van train. I would like to create an activity for MSTS with a similar consist. Unfortunately, I can't tell from the photo whether the train has a caboose.

Does anyone know whether cabooses were used on Flexi-van trains? Also, does anyone know how long these trains typically were? Were they similar to today's intermodal trains or shorter?

Thanks.

[kevarc]

Yes to cabooses

[pmcn]

Does anyone know whether cabooses were used on Flexi-van trains? Also, does anyone know how long these trains typically were? Were they similar to today's intermodal trains or shorter?

Thanks.

Not past 1976 since that was the year PC was turned into Conrail. I feel it is safe to say that pre-Staggers Act (1980) trains would have had a caboose attached.

Paul

[kevarc]

Staggers had nothing to do with cabooses

[rfranzosa]

They also tacked Flexivans on the back of passenger trains, not sure if a caboose was required there, but I suspect so.

RGF

[pmcn]

Staggers had nothing to do with cabooses

I though it opened new doors to labor negotiations that led to the reduction of crews. Sorry if I was wrong.

Paul

[pmcn]

Staggers had nothing to do with cabooses

Actually, I realized you are correct. While Staggers did alot to deregulate and let the railroads set rates, caboose laws were enacted at state level and varied from state to state. So it was not a federal issue.

Sorry for any confusion.

Paul