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While looking for cabooses to match up with my steamers I came across some things I'm in the dark about and would like to ask. 

Obviously there are older wood sided and then steal cabooses. As far as the ones with the cupola in the center vs offset, is this a later design, railroad company preference, or regulated?

Were bay window cabooses built along with traditional style ones or considered a more modern design?

Finally is there any sites or literature to help educate me in this subject. 

Thanks

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In my experience the location of the cupola was based on the interior layout. One end of the caboose may have been sleeping space, the conductors desk and included the stove. The other end was the toilet and sink.  The area below the cupola floor was storage cabinets.  The bay window design was developed when freight cars got so tall that riding in the cupola provide no view of the train ahead. My most vivid memories of riding in a caboose were hearing the slack coming and hanging on for dear life.  They are fun to look at, but I sure am glad they are gone. 

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