This Bachmann Silver Series(R) Transfer Caboose is based on cabooses built for short distance runs. The Transfer Caboose was developed in the late 20th century to provide more room for crew members to ride externally during switch movements. Often constructed using existing components railroads had on hand, such as boxcar frames, Transfer Cabooses were utilitarian in design. Despite the caboose being largely displaced in most settings today, Transfer Cabooses continue to play an important role on freight jobs that require long reverse-direction moves, where there is no opportunity for the locomotive to reposition to lead the train at the end of the line. The Transfer Caboose provides a safe and roomy "shoving platform" area for the conductor to stand and watch for hazards at the front of the train while communicating with the engineer in the locomotive pushing from the opposite end. This Transfer Caboose features an injection-molded body, realistic decoration, metal wheels and E-Z Mate(R) magnetic knuckle couplers.