Tangent Springfield: NYC-PC-CR-ITC-NW Cabooses!

[tangentsm]

In 2007, Tangent Scale Models started the trend of offering unparalleled railroad freight car replicas in HO scale, the likes of which had never been seen in the market. These highly-detailed replicas have consistently raised the bar for HO scale models with several hallmarks, including precision tooling, hyper-accurate stenciling, true to life colors, and era-specific details. Additionally, our models are designed to operate perfectly by including CNC-machined wheels, correct weights, and correct coupler heights. Simply put: We offer detailed freight cars on a higher level.

The era of “one size fits all” cabooses in HO scale plastic is over. We bring our passion and knowledge for translating real 1:1 railroad equipment from freight cars to cabooses. And we are taking things a step further, where our penchant for operations is accelerated with accurate marker lighting in era-specific versions!

Today, we release our second run of new schemes for our HO scale Despatch Shops Incorporated and St. Louis Car Company Bay Window Caboose System, which began as New York Central’s first foray into post-war steel cabooses. You know the cabooses – these are the ones that had riveted sides and offset bay windows – they were everywhere!

This caboose was a witness to incredible changes to railroading during its use. Perhaps your train features NYC FA-2 locomotives racing along the Water Level Route, an ITC Class C electric rocking-and-rolling through central Illinois, CR SD45s on Horseshoe Curve helper duty, or NW Geeps handing local duties in St. Louis? Well, we have a caboose for your train!

Our “system” of cabooses includes these three build specifications:

Build #1: Despatch Shops Inc. NYC Lot 782 - N7 Class Steel Bay Window Caboose
In 1949, the New York Central solved the problem of an aging wooden caboose fleet. NYC turned to its subsidiary, Despatch Shops Inc. in East Rochester, New York, who had built a small number of NYC steel cabooses in 1948. In 1949, DSI fabricated 95 cabooses for the NYC and 5 for the Boston & Albany under lot 782. These 100 cabooses featured a riveted steel construction with offset bay windows. The interiors included bay window seats, bunks, crew lockers, a coal stove and oil lamps for lighting. Between 1962 and 1967, these Lot 782 cabooses would be among the groups of cabooses refurbished at the NYC Beech Grove Shops in Indiana. The rebuilt Lot 782 caboose changes included electrical lighting, a battery charging system, and new oil stoves, along with new Century Green paint and a new number series. The Lot 782 fleet continued through the Penn Central merger – now identified as the N7 Class. Further changes would come during the 1970s, as modernization programs would remove running boards and add additional lighting. Conrail added a coat of blue paint, and the remaining fleet of N7 cabooses saw service into the mid 1980s, until they were purged from the Conrail caboose ranks.

Build #2: St. Louis Car Co. NYC Lot 827 - N7A Class Steel Bay Window Caboose
In 1952, the New York Central continued to modernize its caboose fleet. While NYC subsidiary Despatch Shops Inc. in East Rochester, New York, had built 100 steel cabooses in 1949, the NYC asked St. Louis Car Company to build 200 additional cabooses in 1952 under lot 827. These cabooses followed the previous 1949 DSI design closely, with riveted steel construction and offset bay windows. The interiors included bay window seats, bunks, crew lockers, a coal stove and oil lamps for lighting. Between 1962 and 1967, these Lot 827 cabooses would be among the groups of cabooses refurbished at the NYC Beech Grove Shops in Indiana. The rebuilt Lot 827 caboose changes included electrical lighting, a battery charging system, and new oil stoves, along with new Century Green paint and a new number series. The Lot 827 fleet continued through the Penn Central merger -- identified as the N7A Class. Further changes would come during the 1970s, as modernization programs would remove running boards and add additional lighting. Conrail added a coat of blue paint, and the remaining fleet of N7A cabooses saw service into the mid 1980s, until they were purged from the Conrail caboose ranks.

Build #3: St. Louis Car Co. Illinois Terminal Steel Bay Window Caboose
In the 1950s, the Illinois Terminal Railroad was undergoing major changes in both operations and equipment. New GP7 locomotives delivered in 1953 started to replace electric freight motors on through freights, and the a¬ging wood caboose fleet struggled to serve crew needs. As a result, the Illinois Terminal ordered 10 steel bay window cabooses from St. Louis Car Company in 1953. While these cabooses were close in appearance to a NYC order built by St. Louis Car Co. in 1952, the features and interiors were distinctly Illinois Terminal. These cabooses were a riveted steel construction with offset bay windows. Wood running boards and closed ends without windows gave the cabooses a unique look. The interiors included bay window seats, double bunks, crew lockers, a coal stove, 110V AC Service for lighting at the terminals and oil lamps for lighting on the road. Over the years, Illinois Terminal would paint these ten cabooses in a dizzying assortment of schemes, some lasting longer than others. Further changes would come during the 1970s, as the cabooses were modernized with the removal of the roof running boards, cut-down ladders, and additional lighting. The Norfolk & Western assumed operations of the Illinois Terminal in 1981, and several of these cabooses survived into the 1980s, refurbished in N&W Red Paint.

Tangent's second run of NYC/ITC caboose system replicas are AVAILABLE TODAY and includes the following nine schemes plus three undecorated kit options:

- New York Central (NYC) "Brown repaint w/Black Logo 1955+” duplicates a much-requested scheme by the NYC fans, with the black-background NYC oval logo. This caboose was originally built in 1949 by DSI but has been repainted in 1955. NYC modelers will spy that small, era-accurate triangle of paint code information on the left side along with repack stencil data and correct serial number on the right. It’s these little details that make the caboose a New York Central replica. The model features its original DSI-applied smokejack, roof walkway and end railings. The corner railings are painted yellow, along with the bottom “Kass” step tread on each corner. The fully-painted, green interior is illuminated with LED “warm” lights to replicate incandescent bulbs. The model includes scale-size (unlit) oil lanterns mounted on one end on the corner railing posts. This caboose is ready to move freight on your NYC trains from 1955 forward. We are offering this scheme in four road numbers! SKU 60122



- New York Central (NYC) “Lot 827 Century Green Repaint with Right NYC Logo 1963+” represents the earliest version of the green repaint scheme applied by New York Central to the Lot 827 class. These St. Louis Car Company-built cabooses were shopped at NYC’s Beech Grove Shops in Indiana. The rebuilt Lot 827 caboose changes included electrical lighting, a battery charging system, and new oil stoves, along with new Century (“Jade”) Green paint and a new number series. Check out those distinctive roof vents added during rebuilding but the original SLCC “taller” style smokejack. These cabooses feature the NYC “cigar band” logo on the right side of the car and the NYC font stencils in the center under the bay window. The fully-painted and lit interior features black seats and stove, and Century green cabinets and walls which was the repainted interior color when these cabooses were shopped. This scheme is available in four prototypically accurate numbers. Each SKU includes road number-specific yes-or-no application of the white painted areas above the bay window, and locations of the NYC logo and “Road To The Future” slogan. Finally, we have improved our Century Green to improve fidelity to the prototype. SKU 60123



- Penn Central (PC) “Green Repaint 1968+” is one of the earliest Penn Central paint schemes to be applied to the former NYC Lot 782 cabooses. It features the large white PC logo and italicized PENN CENTRAL on the carbody. This scheme features a black roof, standard for PC, and correctly maintains its running board and end ladders. PC carefully applied yellow paint to the corner grabs, bottom steps and rounded top ladder grabs. The caboose still features its original St. Louis Car Co. tall smokejack along with the NYC Beech Grove upgrades like rooftop vents. The fully-painted interior is illuminated with LED “warm” lights and features black seats and stove, and accurate light green cabinets and walls. The model includes scale-size (unlit) pyle markers prototypically mounted on both ends on the corner railing posts. We offer this scheme in three prototypically accurate road numbers. Note that each SKU is a little different: We have adjusted the location of the PC logo, road name, reporting marks and data to match each specific prototype PC number. SKU 60124



- Conrail (CR) “N7A Early Green Repaint 1976+” gives us a glimpse into the very early days of Conrail. Blue was not yet assigned as the official caboose color, and the earliest repaints of cabooses and other freight equipment was indeed PC green. Yes, you read that correctly. This is not a patch out of a former PC paint job. This N7A is a full green repaint by Altoona’s paint crew in early May of 1976. The prototype and model feature a modernized appearance per PC practice, who removed the running board and end ladders along with adding additional end railings and the signature PC-style replacement smokejack. The model’s fully-painted interior features black seats and stove, and light green cabinets and walls which was the selected interior color. The interior is lit, as are the tiny pairs of red marker lights on each end that PC applied to these cabooses. Notice the “POOL” denotation on the end doors of this caboose was used to denote its pool service status (i.e. it could run everywhere). Accurate ACI and those distinctive PC/CR COTS panels have been applied, which was standard for this era. We offer this scheme in one exact prototypical road number. SKU 60125-01



- Conrail (CR) "N7 Blue Repaint 1977+" shows another take on a Conrail blue repaint. This offering models a caboose that did not lose its roof walkway and end ladders until Conrail’s formation. So what does this mean? The end railings are specific to this type of setup. Notice the vertical ladder stiles have been maintained, even after the running board was removed by CR personnel. (The predecessor PC’s practice was to torch off these ladder stiles during modifications.) This makes for a very distinctive look on the ends, one that we thought was worthy of modeling! These N7 cabooses have the classic Conrail blue paint, with red ‘Scotchlight’ rectangles on the ends. Note the red marker light pairs on the ends, which of course light up on our models. The Conrail cabooses continue the black-painted roofs found on the Penn Central cars, as well as 2-panel consolidated stencils. We are offering this scheme in two road numbers, each with accurate and distinctive lettering details to represent the two prototypical numbers offered. Per prototype photos, SKU 60126-01 maintains its plain bearing trucks while SKU 60126-02 has roller bearing trucks. SKU 60126



- Conrail (CR) "N7A Blue Repaint 1979+" is the second of our Conrail-era offerings in this run. These Conrail cabooses represent the CR repaints that were performed in 1979. These cabooses received a similar Conrail blue paint job as found in our 1977 caboose offering. However, these cabooses include accurate red and white red ‘Scotchlight’ stripe rectangles on the ends for visibility. Conrail removed the PC-era end marker lights when these cabooses were rehabbed, and instead substituted a single orange FRA-flasher light, mounted on end of the car (which works on our model). Yes, the 1977+ and 1979+ Conrail cabooses operated concurrently (and with PC cabooses, we might add). Finally, Conrail replaced the plain bearing trucks with 70-ton roller bearing trucks. We are offering this scheme in four road numbers, each with accurate and distinctive lettering detail and smokejack offerings to represent the four prototypical numbers offered. SKU 60127



- Illinois Terminal (ITC) "Delivery Target Red w/Stripes 1953+" replicates an example of the final two cabooses delivered to the ITC by St. Louis Car Company. These cars feature the same safety-inspired bright “target” red paint, but SLCC also applied white reflective delineators across the bottom of the body and ends. This is a very distinctive look. The caboose also has other colors present on the exterior, including “canary yellow” handrails and steps, along with a light gray Standard Railway Equipment roof. The prototype Illinois Terminal lettering above the cupola and the ITC with road number was applied onto thin metal placards which were bolted onto the car side and had an off-white appearance, which we have replicated this “off-white” reflective color with our graphics. Similar to our NYC offerings, this model includes large (unlit) oil lanterns on one end of the caboose. The fully-painted and apportioned interior includes the two tone green scheme as found in the original cabooses. Check out those double bunks as you peek through the large windows. While ITC loved to repaint their cabooses, the prototype number 989 stayed in its original red for an incredible 17 year run until 1970, making it the last survivor of the of the ITC St. Louis Car Co. delivery scheme. This caboose scheme is available in one accurate road number. SKU 60128-01



- Illinois Terminal (ITC) "Personalized Service Green Repaint 1972+" takes us to the 1970s, where the Illinois Terminal is repainting cabooses in additional variations of green paint. This scheme advertises “The Road of Personalized Services” and brackets the Illinois Terminal shadow script lettering with body length yellow stripes. Accurate for this era, the model also features ACI labels and a single COTS stencil with prototypical data details from the ITC’s Federal Yard in Alton, IL. The silver underframe really shows off the details of the model including accurate Illinois Terminal equipment boxes, toilet dump pipe and Gould Foundry plain bearing caboose trucks. The interior is painted a solid dark green for this era and is illuminated with LED “warm” lights to replicate incandescent bulbs. This scheme is available in one prototypically accurate number: 983. As with all of our cabooses, see the prototype reference photo on our website! SKU 60129-01



- Norfolk & Western (NW) "Red Repaint 1982+" is the final paint scheme to be applied to the ITC St. Louis Car Co. caboose fleet. The NW took over operations of the ITC in 1981 and refurbished several of the ITC cabooses in 1982 for local and transfer service. It is amazing what a fresh coat of caboose red and white NW graphics can do! The prototype side windows have been plated over, and the rooftop walkways and end ladders are long gone. This model features these same modernizations, and make sure that you check out the intricate roof walkway metal brackets. You can see the individual walkway bolt holes on top of each one! These are the finest walkway brackets available in HO Scale. The ends of the caboose feature era-appropriate flashing FRA red lights. The underframe has also lost the equipment boxes and toilet pipe. The interior of the caboose is lit, which can still be seen through those big bay windows. We kept getting asked from the NW guys about this scheme, so now’s your chance to have a little bit of the 1980s in your caboose fleet. This NW red beauty is available in two accurate numbers. Don’t forget to check out the website for the prototype reference photos! SKU 60130



- Undecorated KIT Offerings: We continue to support the builders in this hobby -- we have supported you from Day 1 without drama or excuses. We know that there are plenty of modelers out there who want to build their own. Perhaps you want to build a kit for a different paint scheme or home road. Perhaps you have a special kitbash prototype in mind. Perhaps you build a kit for the fun of it. Don't worry, we got you.

- Undecorated KIT 1949+ (NYC) is a fully unassembled kit version of the as-built 1949+ era Lot 782 DSI caboose. This kit features a full running board on the roof and also includes extra part variations for railings, walkways and underframe details to handle the Lot 827 St. Louis Car built prototypes. Heads up NYC and P&LE kitbashers: This is a great kitbash path to a custom built NYC 1948 DSI Lot 778 caboose or a shorter P&LE Lot 795 caboose! This kit is UNLIT -- no electronics are included. It is perfect for those who want to build their own cars or want to customize their own lighting circuit options. Ready for painting and lettering for a prototype or your own private road. This kit includes Tangent Gould 70T plain bearing caboose trucks with power-pickup and 33" standard 110 tread CNC wheels. You supply your own favorite couplers. SKU 60100-01

- Undecorated KIT 1963+ (NYC-PC-Early CR) is a fully unassembled kit version of the modernized 1963+ era Lot 782 DSI caboose. This kit features a full running board on the roof as well as the roof vents, battery box and other upgrade features from the NYC Beech Grove Shops upgrade program. The kit also includes extra part variations for St. Louis Car railings, end walkways and underframe details. This caboose kit covers the 1963+ NYC era, PC era before running board removal as well as some early CR paint jobs. Heads up NYC kitbashers: This is a starting path to a custom built 1963 DSI Lot 919 caboose! This kit is UNLIT -- no electronics are included. It is perfect for those who want to build their own cars or want to customize their own lighting circuit options. Ready for painting and lettering for a prototype or your own private road. This kit includes Tangent Gould 70T plain bearing caboose trucks with power-pickup and 33" standard 110 tread CNC wheels. You supply your own favorite couplers. SKU 60101-01

- Undecorated KIT 1975+ (ITC-NW) is a fully unassembled kit version of the modernized 1975+ era Illinois Terminal St. Louis Car Co. caboose. This kit features a roof without a running board and also has the "cut-down" modern ends with ladders removed. This kit is a great choice for the late 1970s ITC and NW modelers. This kit is UNLIT -- no electronics are included. It is perfect for those who want to build their own cars or want to customize their own lighting circuit options. Ready for painting and lettering for a prototype or your own private road. This kit includes Tangent Gould 70T plain bearing caboose trucks with power-pickup and 33" standard 110 tread CNC wheels. You supply your own favorite couplers. SKU 60103-01

Besides the above kits, don’t forget that we have caboose bodies and parts available on our website for additional building and bashing options and combinations beyond the kits. Yes, we are talking to you, C&EI/L&N modelers. Also, check out these parts and trucks available separately and used on the DSI/SLCC Bay Window System of cabooses:

- Running Board Brackets (40’/50’ Boxcar or Caboose) contains our etched metal running board brackets to model cars with the running boards removed in the later 1960s, 70s and 80s. These fine brackets even have the holes in the top surface, just like the real ones, where the bolts “used to be.” The metal parts have mounting pins for installation, if you want to drill holes, or they can be trimmed off and glued directly to a roof. Enough brackets are included in one package to handle a typical 40’/50’ boxcar or caboose. SKU 208.

- Caboose Flags – Type 1 is a pack of the metal “flags” used on cabooses for daytime running. This pack contains two styles: Round (red/yellow) as used by the NYC and rectangular (red/green) as used by the Illinois Terminal. The painted parts have a mounting stem, if you want to drill a hole on the side where applicable, or the stem can be trimmed off for end mounting. A great update for any cabooses! SKU 240.

- 70-Ton Gould Plain-Bearing Caboose Trucks with power pickup is a pair of our all-new plain-bearing trucks as seen on our DSI Inc. and St. Louis Car Co. Bay-Window cabooses. These trucks have a separate, installed brake beam part, and feature power pickup with wires. This makes them perfect for your own caboose projects! The trucks contain CNC-machined blackened brass wheels and we are pleased to offer this new truck in both .110” Standard tread and .088” Semi scale tread versions. SKUs 112 (Normal Tread) /113 (Semi-Scale).

All of these models can be seen at www.tangentscalemodels.com!

The Tangent Scale Models Despatch Shops Incorporated and St. Louis Car Company Steel Bay Window Cabooses are state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replicas with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils. Our cabooses were designed from actual blueprints plus meticulous field dimensions, and includes incredible levels of detail such as riveted body panels and underframe and brake system, plus beautiful etch steps and multiple era-specific end platform railing options. Inside each model are accurate, railroad- and era-specific interior layouts with bunks, seats, lockers and stoves. We offer “no fuss” track-powered interior lights and end marker lights as appropriate for the prototype, that are compatible with DC or DCC setups right out of the box. (A wand is included in the box to activate the lights.) Finally, our ready-to-operate replica includes “near-scale” draft gear box including side “key” detail, coupler lift bars accompanying Kadee® scale couplers, sufficient hidden weights, and CNC-machined wheels to ensure the model operates as good as it looks.

These cabooses are shipping today! Features for these replicas include:
- Dimensional accuracy - designed from actual blueprints and meticulous field dimensions using real tape measures
- Highly correct “true to life” colors
- “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
- Genuine Kadee® scale couplers
- “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail
- Multiple road numbers for each scheme, as appropriate
- Era-specific body details for each RTR scheme, including multiple body roof and end window combinations
- Wood, Apex “See through,” or no roof running boards/etch metal running board supports, as appropriate for the era
- Railroad and era-specific ladder roof hand holds: Round, square, and none
- Multiple roof equipment options including locker vents, radio antenna and toilet vent
- End steps to match the prototype: Kass, Diamond, or “See through” Apex
- Two different end walkways platforms – Diamond and Kass – based on the prototype
- Unapologetically fine etch metal end window screens, where appropriate
- Thirteen (yes, 13!) different end railing/safety appliances options, based on railroad and era
- Seven different smokejacks to cover DSI, SLCC, PC and other replacement options
- Unlit NYC/ITC oil lantern and NYC pyle light options on the corner handrail posts where appropriate
- Illuminated scale-sized PC and CR era end marker lights that can be controlled on or off – on each end – independently, where appropriate
- Illuminated scale-sized CR and ITC late-era FRA end lights with a proper slow flash/prototype “decay” that can be controlled on or off – on each end – independently, where appropriate
- Multiple side oil fill and overflow pipe options based on the prototype and era
- Two “coupler lift bar” options per prototype application and era
- Railroad specific battery/equipment box options
- 4 different toilet pipe options based on the prototype and era
- Windshield wipers applied to bay windows based on era and prototype use
- Full railroad-specific interior – chairs, bunks, desks, lockers, sink and even 2 stove options! The interior is accurately apportioned and fully-painted with railroad and era-specific detailing. From the signature ITC double bunks to the NYC fold-down table and tufted cushions.
- Full underbody details – brake system with brake rods and piping, battery box, electrical plugs and conduit, water fills, axle generator and more – all based on the prototype and era!
- Beautiful side details - wire grab irons, wire ladder rungs, wire roof hand holds, and wire coupler lift bars – no “molded in” plastic grab irons here!
- Separate air hoses with mounting bracket detail
- No complicated decoder. No complicated programming. No complicated electronics. DC/DCC compatible track-powered “no fuss” interior and marker light lighting – simple and easy to operate with included wand
- “Warm” color LED lights for that “incandescent bulb” look of the prototype
- CNC-machined standard RP25 .110” tread 33” wheels (Yes, semi-scale .088” wheels are available separately!)
- All-New precision Tangent Scale Models 70-ton Gould plain-bearing trucks with separate brake beam part, or Barber 70-Ton Gould roller-bearing trucks with separate brake beam parts, as appropriate for each paint scheme
- Recommended age 14 years and older

Don’t miss out on the Tangent Scale Models Despatch Shops Incorporated and St. Louis Car Company Bay Window Caboose System, our second release in the Tangent caboose line. Pricing for RTR models is $116.95, with quantity discounts for direct purchases from Tangent Scale Models.

That wraps up our update for today, and thank you for supporting the family-owned businesses in our industry!

David Lehlbach
Tangent Scale Models

[el3672]

I'll pick up a PC Cabeeze. IC ZZZZZZZZZZ still waiting on an EL CabooseZZZZZZZZ

[schroed2]

another saturday morning surprise...one PC is already in my cart

[hudsonyard]

I was actually thinking the other day that I could go for one of the tangent hacks in an early PC scheme.

Can never have enough cabooses and switchers, companies keep announcing ones I want, it's rough out here sometimes.

[wagnersteve]

1/28/2023, about 4:45 a.m., EST

Nice to see David Lehlbach's firm continuing its tradition of an announcement of a new run of models early on the morning of the first full day of the big West Springfield show! Sorry I can't be there in person; Tangent often has models there that they thought they had sold out of earlier. I will miss not being able to talk with the people at their tables, Lee English of Bowser, the Athearn reps and several friends who'll be there. I have not yet bought one of Tangent's splendid cabooses. The NYC ones have some windows big enough that the interior detail would be at least somewhat visible when on a model railroad. A Tangent model of an ex-EL bay window properly decorated as one that the D&H got in 1976 when Contrail was formed would go to the top of my priority list.

[el3625]

ALOT of people on here have been asking for the EL bay window caboose since the first Tangent caboose was released and it is not here yet. We had 4 releases of B&O, 2 of NYC and 1 IC. Are we ever going to get one, MANY are hoping from what I read here in at least 3 years. I think the EL bay window caboose, or post EL painted schemes, has been asked for more than any other road name. Waiting for this EL caboose is like waiting for the Cleveland Browns to win the Super Bowl in my lifetime!

Bruce

[cr9617]

Jan 28, 2023 5:37:46 GMT -8 el3625 said:

Waiting for this EL caboose is like waiting for the Cleveland Browns to win the Super Bowl in my lifetime!

Bruce

Whenever I complain about how bad us Jets fans have it, I have to remember to think of you guys lol.

[Baikal]

Jan 27, 2023 21:23:31 GMT -8 @mrk said:

 Tangent cabooses are the perfect combination of "rock solid" and "extremely delicate" rolled into one model. Once you hold one in your hands, you'll get it. Because of Tangent and Spring Mills Depot, this modern modeler collects cabooses now.

Another winner from Tangent.  Really sharp looking model.

I notice you left Rapido's coarse expensive toy off the quality caboose list.

[rockfan]

Glad to see another new caboose available. I can't use any but if you make Rock Island CA-13's my credit card will be on fire!

[mvlandsw]

Blackened brass wheelsets are a step backwards. You will never get the polished wheel treads that nickel plated wheels give.

I see that Intermountain has "improved" their wheelsets in this manner.

[el3625]

I need MANY quality Erie Lackawanna bay window cabooses to go with my Athearn EL SDP45's, SD45-2's, SD45's and Scaletrains EL SD45's, not to count the many EL freight cars that Athearn has produced over the years. My EL trains need a quality bay window caboose to go along with the other great EL models that we now have. Athearn's EL caboose is not a good representation of the prototype bay window caboose. So, what is the delay? Waiting to spend some hard-earned money!

Bruce

[fr8kar]

Jan 28, 2023 12:51:44 GMT -8 el3625 said:

I need MANY quality Erie Lackawanna bay window cabooses to go with my Athearn EL SDP45's, SD45-2's, SD45's and Scaletrains EL SD45's, not to count the many EL freight cars that Athearn has produced over the years. My EL trains need a quality bay window caboose to go along with the other great EL models that we now have. Athearn's EL caboose is not a good representation of the prototype bay window caboose. So, what is the delay?

If many people want these EL cabooses, and I have no doubt that's true, you need someone to lead the project. What gets these road number specific models built is passion. It's one thing to post about the need for a model but quite another to build up a complete roster breakdown, a summary of paint schemes applied, a matrix of detail variations and years they were applied, scale drawings, field measurements, a comprehensive photo library, paint color drift cards, decal artwork, a 3D CAD model, the list goes on...

If you really want the model to be made get started. I don't mean this in a snarky way like, "if you don't like it build your own!" I mean the tools to do this kind of project are within reach of just about anyone willing to dig their heels in and try.

Folio drawings published by the railroad are a good start for some basic measurements and typically list the equipment used (handbrakes, wheel bearings, brake valves, couplers, draft gear, etc.). Between historical societies and books and online photos it's usually not too difficult to learn about a particular prototype subject, especially something as loved as a caboose. Before long you find like-minded modelers and maybe even track down a preserved caboose to sketch and measure. So far you probably have several hours into the project over a few months.

When you finally have everything measured and sketched and all the detail variations documented it's time to start drawing. FreeCAD, Blender, Fusion360 and others are free software you can use to create the 3D model. None of them are particularly difficult to learn (alright, so Blender is a little weird but very powerful!) and all have great, helpful and friendly communities offering free tutorials and support. All you need is time and effort.

Some people get CAD and some don't. If you already understand spatial relationships well enough to build models then 3D modeling is the same thing. If you don't get it chances are another modeler in your small group of caboose-measuring fanatics does get it. I've seen some people get better at it over many years (looking at you, guy in the mirror) and other people pick it up right away. The main thing is you get out of it what you put into it. Power through that first difficult week or two then it starts to click. You'll hit other plateaus along the way so ask questions in 3D modeling forums and watch tutorial videos.

Now the model is pretty far along and you're ready to put together decal artwork. Corel Draw is inexpensive and is capable of creating professional quality artwork. Adobe Illustrator is more expensive but you'll have artwork anyone can use. Inkscape is a free vector program and it will output high quality artwork but there may be some hurdles with file type and color control later on but any vendor printing decals should be able to work with you.

You may need photoetched parts for running boards or cut levers or other thin details. Again, there is free CAD software available to use for creating these designs and vendors out there who specialize in creating etched parts (don't ask Keith at Plano, he doesn't do custom etching!).

At this point you could start your own company and offer limited run 3D printed craftsman kits. Or at some point earlier in the project you could approach someone like Rapido or Tangent or Athearn or ScaleTrains and make your case for the viability of the project. If you have all the research, artwork and some CAD done - even if they can't use it to cut tooling it's still useful to illustrate what the model looks like - then you are far more likely to get someone interested in pursuing the project, especially if they agree that the model will be as wildly popular as you and your fellow caboose fans think. I believe the Santa Fe reefer Rapido did was brought to them from outside, for example. I'm sure similar examples exist within other companies.

The point is, if you want to see a project happen, don't just bang on the keyboard, make it happen. You might just love doing it.

[sd40dash2]

^ While Ryan makes a good point above, I would suggest that not everybody is cut out for CAD drawing and all the needed computer-time and equipment/software etc. I gave it a try a few years ago and just couldn't get my head around how to do it. Yes, I did all kinds of google and youtube searches and video views and after much computer time and a sore hand I realized it just isn't for me. I can read EASM files, move them around, flip etc on the screen but cannot produce. While not everyone tried it as I did, I would suggest that producing CAD drawings is not as intuitive as suggested here. It is one of those in-demand computer skills and there are two kinds of people on the whole planet: those who can produce CAD drawings and those who cannot. Bruce and company happen to be very passionate customers who are really dedicated to their cause. As nice it would be for them to learn CAD and start their own company, the hobby would crumble if we didn't have active wallets like theirs to buy the end products. I hope Bruce et al one day get their EL cabooses.

If I may turn the lens on you for one extra moment Ryan, I have always been impressed with your CAD skills. I know you're busy with your regular job but it would seem to me you could actually put your skills to work and realize income (beyond shapeways etc as you do now) if you really wanted to. Yes, I know it's not the same as what you do now but there may come a point in your life that working in your air conditioned home might seem a decent option indeed. You've been maintaining this valuable skillset so I think it would be a relative easy transition for you. Most people can't do what you do in CAD.

[fr8kar]

You're right, Manny, not everyone can do it. It's a lot like playing guitar. It's hard for nearly everyone when they first start, but those who can get past the first couple stages find that a lot falls into place very quickly. From there it's a matter of climbing hills and reaching plateaus and gaining skill. I have a friend who insisted he couldn't do his own 3D drawings but eventually it clicked for him and before long he had drawn and 3D printed the triple underpass at Dealy Plaza in Dallas.

I have a lot of plans to do my own thing with 3D printing and CAD stuff, but a few things have to occur first (unfortunately divorce is one of those things). But I'm not giving up the railroad to pursue my hobby. That job is easy, the benefits are good and once in a while I actually enjoy it. The only problem is the complete lack of free time and rare days off.

The thing about my modeling projects is they're the ones I'm interested in, not someone else's. I get lots of requests to do someone else's passion project and most of the time that request comes with the expectation that I'll do all the research. That's not really practical for the limited amount of time I have, especially when I have dozens and dozens of my own projects to finish. So I say no a lot. But occasionally I accept the request especially if it's something I'm already interested in doing.

At the end of the day, if you're passionate enough about something you tend to gravitate toward people with the same passion. All you have to do is join forces to make a project happen. I'm not much of a meetings person, nor do I like organizing resources and timelines. I prefer sitting down at the computer and grinding on a drawing until 5 in the morning. So it's good for someone like me to team up with a person who is good at managing a project or running down leads at the historical society or meeting with the manufacturer.

That's what I mean about making a project like these cabooses happen. It's not likely to be a one-man show. If you can do all that you probably already have designs on starting your own company. But there's a middle ground between sitting on the sidelines and running your own company. The New Haven guys have worked with Rapido to deliver a project they wanted and likewise with the Santa Fe guys on the reefer. If it's a project you really care about, why not see what you can put together?

[cemr5396]

Even without doing 'all the work for them' and researching/designing a model almmost from scratch, there are other ways to entice manufacturers to make something.

Sure there might be demand out there for an EL caboose (since that is the topic at hand) but Tangent (as an example) is not going to make that gamble based on the same 5 people asking for them on the ARF. Same goes for Athearn and DRGW ICC cabooses. Now, if you could get a hundred or two guys to put their names down and say they would buy one.... that might convince a Tangent et al that it would be a profitable endeavor to take on that project and do all that research and design work themselves. You could always even sweeten the pot by volunteering to help - they would probably appreciate the offer.

The most enticing possible scenario would be to come to them with a list of people AND drop a bunch of research/CAD/artwork in their laps. All they have to do then (in very oversimplified terms) is actually build the silly things.

My point is there are lots of ways to skin this proverbial cat.

[lvrr325]

You haven't seen the Rapido because it's not here yet.

Tangent can kind of presume from their Conrail N7 sales how many Conrail ex-EL cars they'd sell. That's a start.

[ambluco]

The Rapido CP Angus caboose (van) was a stunning model when it came out years ago. I think it was one of their original models, before everything that happened QC-wise, etc. It'll be interesting to see if the latest release is also great or suffers from QC issues.

I owned a few (have one) and sold several on the auction place for a premium price. Stupid money.

[gevohogger]

Jan 28, 2023 21:39:03 GMT -8 lvrr325 said:

You haven't seen the Rapido because it's not here yet.

Tangent can kind of presume from their Conrail N7 sales how many Conrail ex-EL cars they'd sell. That's a start.

The N7 would be Conrail's signature caboose, if there is such a thing, so I would predict it would outsell an ex-EL by a wide margin.

[sd40dash2]

Jan 29, 2023 14:06:07 GMT -8 gevohogger said:

... I would predict it would outsell an ex-EL by a wide margin.

Watch out you don't incur the wrath of Bruce for saying that!

[el3625]

I could really care less about how many ex-EL Conrail cabooses would sell, I only would like to see just Erie Lackawanna cabooses. Conrail got rid of the EL cabooses pretty quick as they mostly favored Penn Central equipment. Like I said earlier, we have excellent EL locomotives out there available from many different manufacturers and NO nice caboose. My trains look naked without a nice caboose. That's all I am saying. get me the EL!

Bruce

[riogrande]

Jan 29, 2023 15:43:16 GMT -8 el3625 said:

My trains look naked without a nice caboose. That's all I am saying. get me the EL!

Bruce

I ended up hunting down some brass cabooses because no one yet has made any that match in plastic. To me, cabooses are too "signature" looking to use a foobie, if at all possible.

[NS4122]

I believe they blackened just the wheel faces and not the treads. If you look at the photos of the wheel sets on their website you will see that all the treads are shiny. Not aa step backward if the wheel faces are weathered black.

Jan 28, 2023 12:35:51 GMT -8 mvlandsw said:

Blackened brass wheelsets are a step backwards. You will never get the polished wheel treads that nickel plated wheels give.

I see that Intermountain has "improved" their wheelsets in this manner.

[unittrain]

Picked up a NYC 1955 and the PC early. The blackened wheels with the shiny treads look really good. I too would be in for an EL caboose.

[NYSW3614]

Cabooses are tricky but the situation is easing slowly. I model DL&W so brass and resin kits are it. Thankfully, I'm modelling a smaller part of the DL&W so I don't need as many but its still pricey- just paid $280 for a painted/lettered RailWorks model. I'd get a proper EL bay window to add to my non-layout caboose collection but I know of a number of EL guys that would be in for a whole bunch of them, and there's the secondary owners like D&H.

Stay tuned I suppose...

Joshua

[ChessieFan1978]

Jan 29, 2023 4:15:05 GMT -8 ambluco said:

The Rapido CP Angus caboose (van) was a stunning model when it came out years ago. I think it was one of their original models, before everything that happened QC-wise, etc. It'll be interesting to see if the latest release is also great or suffers from QC issues.

I owned a few (have one) and sold several on the auction place for a premium price. Stupid money.

Yeah kinda worried about the NE Cabooses given the LV RS11, E8, B36-7, and other issues that have arisen!