| Not sure how many of these "Franken-cabooses" were built, but it was apparently necessary for the caboose to be the same length as the coal hoppers used in the Gascoyne (ND) - Big Stone Power Plant (SD) operation. Coal from the Knife River Coal Mine near Gascoyne, ND moved to the power plant near the SD/MN border east of Milbank, SD. This was a 700 mile round trip. The hoppers, built by Thrall, had hinged lids. Six trains a week moved to the power plant. |