Does anyone know when transfer cabooses came into service and when they went out ? Living in Reading, PA I never seen a transfer caboose until Conrail showed up in April 76 but even then none were in the yard until what seemed like years later. That happened when Conrail used the Reading loco shop for caboose repair and repainting. I'd say it wasn't until 79 till I see my first transfer caboose and I remember wondering what it was.