New life for a tarnished old brass caboose a la Evan

[sd40dash2]

Van Hobbies in the 1980s produced several very accurate brass models of many variations of CP wood and steel cabooses. Brass equipment like this has always been expensive and even had a certain "snob appeal" in the minds of some. The reality was that many modellers simply could not justify the high brass cost, so they instead built Juneco wood and similar kits. This model closely matches the famous CPR 1912-62 version wood van with tongue and groove siding, K brakes, old style brake wheel and staff, running boards & ladders, original smoke jack, and upgraded steel underframe.

Van Hobbies did a great job with the available brass technology of the day, so this model certainly has good bones. I like what Evan has been doing to his old brass caboose and decided to follow in his footsteps. Recently I found a deal on a tarnished and neglected woody and went right to work. Follow along as I update this unappreciated caboose to relatively modern standards and try to make a great model even better!

[edwardsutorik]

The end sill could use some detailing--seems kind of bare. Other than that, it's fetching, with nice proportions.



Ed

[sd40dash2]

Here we get started with what this old model looked like right after I unpacked it. I know this was once cutting edge but by today's standards it is quite dated. Why was this never painted? Also, no box or anything else was included besides what you see here. Can we bring this poor old veteran back to life? Let's try and improve upon this!

[edgecrusher]

Very cool. I can't wait to see how you approach this one.

[sd40dash2]

Disassembly was surprisingly easy, involving just 4 slotted screws.

[sd40dash2]

The model was filthy including years of tarnishing and oils from handling along with some thick dust for good measure. After an unsuccessful Dawn scrub, I went to the next step and got everything cleaned up.

[Colin 't Hart]

Yay! Another interesting project to follow along. I have a brass caboose that needs painting. This might give me the impetus to get it out.

[sd40dash2]

^ Thanks Colin, I hope this thread will benefit you. Look forward to reading and seeing how you tackle your brass caboose!

[Christian]

Jan 21, 2024 6:43:43 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

The model was filthy including years of tarnishing and oils from handling along with some thick dust for good measure. After an unsuccessful Dawn scrub, I went to the next step and got everything cleaned up.

Try that with a Tangent caboose!

[sd40dash2]

Here's what she looks like after cleaning and drying. I was unable to restore the original brass finish but that won't matter soon.

[sd40dash2]

While probably cutting-edge at the time the model was made, the cartoonish wood grain of the single column running boards doesn't do it for me so I chopped up some fine styrene strips to use instead.

[sd40dash2]

Model has an uncommon version of cupola siding that was more typically covered in sheet metal. Styrene strip to the rescue once again.

[sd40dash2]

.020 v-groove styrene for the eaves.

[sd40dash2]

The side windows had see-through gaps which are no longer visisble thanks to these styrene bits. Also attach the air hoses and fulcrums now.

[sd40dash2]

Running boards and cupola were the main body exterior areas to get the styrene treatment. Ready for another coat of primer.

[sd40dash2]

Body primed, inspected for mistakes & repaired, now ready for paint.

[sd40dash2]

Prime the interior also.

[sd40dash2]

Primer gives everything a uniform coat for paint, regardless of base material colour. Prime the brass storm doors and styrene eaves at the same time.

[sd40dash2]

Spray everything red first, making sure to nicely coat the cupola and body ends. After the red is dry, mask those sections as shown here.

[sd40dash2]

Tuscan or boxcar red is the next colour for the body and cupola sides. Once dry, mask off those areas as shown here.

[edgecrusher]

It never ceases to impress me how fast you work.

[sd40dash2]

^ Thanks Evan. It may seem like I am "rushing" but I am really not. I decided when starting these threads a few years back that I didn't want to leave interested parties hanging for long once I got started. IMO the daily updates keep folks such as yourself interested as well as to provide me with some badly-needed motivation. Imagine how long it would take to present this material if I did not provide daily updates?

[sd40dash2]

Now spray the roof and smoke jack black and allow to dry.

[sd40dash2]

Masking tape off!

[sd40dash2]

After carefully removing all the masking you should be left with something like this. When ready, spray the whole thing with glosscote in preparation for decals.

[Christian]

Are you still running outdoors for each coat of paint?

[sd40dash2]

^ I was when I took these photos but at present I must use the bsmt spray booth.

[sd40dash2]

Black Cat supplies very fine decals for this simple 1912-62 CPR scheme. I also recommend the two finishing products shown as part of the decal process.

[sd40dash2]

After decals are dry, spray everything with dullcote and allow to dry once again.

[sd40dash2]

Hand paint underneath the end platforms flat black.