Cabooses were once used on nearly every freight train. Until the
1980s, laws in the United States and Canada required all freight
trains to have a caboose and a full crew, for safety. Technology
eventually advanced such that the railroads, in an effort to
save money and reduce crew members, stated that a caboose was
unnecessary and their use has since declined; they are seldom
seen on trains, except on locals and smaller railroads. The
caboose provided the train crew with a shelter at the rear of
the train. The crew could exit the train for switching or to
protect the rear of the train when stopped. They also inspected
the train for problems such as shifting loads, broken or
dragging equipment, and hot boxes (overheated axle bearings, a
serious fire and derailment threat). The conductor kept records
and handled business from a table or desk in the caboose. For
longer trips, the caboose provided minimal living quarters, and
was frequently personalized and decorated with pictures and
posters. Coal or wood was o