Our Story
The H&R Caboose Roost
More Than a Place to Stay... A Story Worth Preserving
Every caboose has a story.
Ours carried railroad crews across America's rails before beginning an entirely new journey as The H&R Caboose Roost.
What was once a hardworking railroad caboose is now a one-of-a-kind destination where history, comfort, and unforgettable memories come together.
This is the story of the caboose... and the people who believed it deserved a second chance.
Meet Your Host, Tina Bales
My love of trains began long before The H&R Caboose Roost ever existed.
It began as a child, sitting in the car with my mom and brother at a railroad crossing in Sauget, Illinois. We'd wait patiently for the train to pass, hoping my dad was aboard. He was an engineer for the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, and catching a glimpse of him in the locomotive made every stop at the tracks unforgettable.
After spending 32 years as a florist, I realized I missed creating something with my own hands. I began searching for a new project—one that would inspire me, challenge me, and give me the opportunity to build something truly unique.
Little did I know, the answer had been waiting for me since childhood.
As I searched for a new project, those memories of the railroad crossing, hoping the passing train was being driven by my dad, came rushing back. I never imagined those simple moments would one day inspire one of the greatest adventures of my life—restoring an authentic 1958 caboose.
Looking back now, it feels as though every stop along the way was leading me here.
The Caboose's Story
Built for America's Railroads
This caboose was built in 1958 by The Rock Island Railroad, where it spent years serving one of America's most recognizable railroads.
As railroads merged and evolved, so did this caboose's story.
It later became Chicago & North Western No. 12575, the railroad appearance you see today, before eventually serving with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis as a transfer caboose.
After decades of faithful service, the caboose was retired.
Most railroad equipment eventually disappears.
This caboose was given another chance.
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The Caboose That Chose Us
Some people search for years to find the perfect project. We weren't looking for a caboose...Until one found us.
The moment we saw it, we knew there was something special hiding beneath the rust and years of wear. It wasn't just another restoration project, it was an opportunity to preserve a small piece of railroad history for future generations. That decision changed everything.
The Meaning Behind H&R
Two Men. One Legacy.
The H&R Caboose Roost was named in honor of two men whose stories are forever connected to this caboose.
Harry
My father, Harry, inspired my lifelong love of railroads.
As an engineer with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, he showed me that trains weren't simply machines—they carried stories, memories, and hardworking people across America.
Rick
Rick was the previous owner of the caboose and dreamed of turning it into a place where he would live and where others could experience the nostalgia of a real train caboose.
Although he never had the chance to complete that vision, his dream became part of ours. Today, every guest who stays here helps carry both of their legacies forward.
Without these two men, this dream may never have existed.
Bringing the Caboose Back to Life
Every picture tells part of the story.
The restoration of this 1958 caboose took more than a year of hard work, countless decisions, and an unwavering commitment to preserving its railroad heritage.
From the first day we found it to the final finishing touches, every step brought us closer to creating a one-of-a-kind place to stay.
Move through the photo gallery below to follow the entire restoration journey—from rusty railroad relic to unforgettable getaway.
