Spent Nuclear Fuel Train Escort Vehicle Cabooses

The North Carolina Railway Museum is proud to be the new home of two historic Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) train escort cabooses, once used by Carolina Power & Light Company (now Duke Energy) to transport SNF between nuclear power plants across the Carolinas. For the safety of the crews that worked on these cabooses they never carried radioactive material on board or were exposed to radiation during their nearly 20 years in service. Both cabooses were generously donated to the museum by Duke Energy.

Caboose #302: The Stationary SNF Train Museum

During the 2023 operating season, the first of these cabooses entered service on New Hope Valley Railway excursions. Caboose #302 (formerly CPRX 10002) serves as a rolling museum, featuring displays, artifacts, and photographs that share the story of the SNF trains and their crews.

For the 2026 season, Caboose #302 will primarily be on static display in the railyard. When open, visitors can step inside and meet a knowledgeable docent who will share more about its fascinating past.

                       

Caboose #309: The Rolling SNF Train Museum

During our 2024 operating season, the second of these historic SNF train cabooses entered service on the New Hope Valley Railway. Caboose #309 (formerly CPRX 10009) now serves as our rolling museum, sharing the story of these trains and the dedicated crews who operated them.

While riding aboard #309, guests are joined by a docent/brakeman who explains the unique partnership between the utility company, the railroad, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol—each of whom rode together in #309 during its years in active SNF train service.

This remarkable caboose features modern comforts rarely found on historic rail equipment. A quiet diesel generator provides power for lighting and two ceiling-mounted AC/heat pump units that keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Four of the seats are air-cushioned, allowing riders to adjust for maximum comfort using high-pressure air. A large storage locker topped with padded seating offers space for up to four passengers to sit together.

A ride in Caboose #309 is available as a private experience for families or groups of up to ten guests. (Please note: two seats are located in the elevated cupola area, accessible by ladder.) Children under age 2 may sit on an adult’s lap ride free of charge.

                                                             

 

Here is a great article about the Fuel Train cabooses and also a Simulated Fuel Train Video

History of the SNF Train Cabooses

In May 2022, the North Carolina Railway Museum completed a remarkable undertaking—transporting ten railroad cars over public roads from the Harris Nuclear Power Plant to our rail yard.

Among them were two cabooses with a truly unique story. These cabooses once served as escort vehicles for trains transporting SNF between the Carolinas’ nuclear power plants operated by Carolina Power & Light Company and later Progress Energy, now part of Duke Energy.

From 1989 to 2008, these trains operated without incident, safely moving SNF under rigorous security protocols. In addition to utility and railroad personnel, North Carolina State Highway Patrol officers rode aboard each trip to provide armed security.

Because of their specialized mission, the cabooses were outfitted with upgrades far beyond those found in standard railroad cabooses, including:

• Diesel generators and enhanced electrical systems to power utility and NC SHP radio equipment

• Air conditioning and other comfort features for long missions

• Gun mounts for the rifles carried by NC SHP officers

These modifications highlight the extraordinary purpose these cabooses served—protecting the transport of SNF across the Carolinas. Today, they stand as rare and tangible reminders of a distinctive era in both rail and energy history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restoration and Dedication of the Escort Vehicle Cabooses

After their arrival at our rail yard, the two SNF train escort vehicle cabooses underwent extensive restoration. Volunteers carefully cleaned, repainted, and preserved numerous artifacts left behind by their last operating crews. These items, along with a collection of historic photographs, maps and technical diagrams, now serve as onboard exhibits that bring the history of the SNF trains to life.

One particularly memorable discovery was a “historic” package of Fig Newtons, found inside one of the cabooses and now preserved as part of the display—a small but charming reminder of the human side of this unique operation.

To officially introduce the two escort vehicle cabooses into service on the New Hope Valley Railway, the North Carolina Railway Museum hosted a special dedication ceremony on May 20, 2023. The event honored eleven surviving SNF train veterans and their families, as well as invited guests and dignitaries from North Carolina state government.

Attendees took part in a commemorative ride aboard a simulated fuel train composed of both escort vehicle cabooses and associated SNF train cars, accompanied by the museum’s regular excursion train. The ceremony concluded with a coordinated run-by at the north end of the line, a fitting and memorable tribute to this remarkable chapter in both railroad and energy history.