Freight train operations on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad between Chicago and Clinton, Iowa. Riding in the caboose can sometimes, on fairly long, fast runs, be very lonely with nothing to do but watch the landscape. The crew of a way-freight making deliveries and pick-ups all the time is kept constantly busy switching cars. Runs such as the one to Clinton are much sought after, and only go to men with the high seniority ratings. Sourced from the Library of Congress.