Revitalize a lightly used/damaged RTR plastic caboose

[sd40dash2]

True Line Trains in 2008 released a series of popular CN and CP wood cabooses in RTR format with numerous paint schemes. While they took a while to sell out, the CP models in particular remain in-demand item on ebay and other second hand venues. The CP model is useful to anyone modelling that railway from 1881-1991 and will be the subject of this thread.

The prototype wood van was assigned to eastern region transfer service after 1967 and renumbered to 438584. It received action yellow paint in January 1974 and its running boards were removed in June. It continued running that way until 1980 when this van was re-sheathed in plywood and repainted action yellow again. So the paint scheme, siding and number on this model are most accurate for Jan-June 1974 or else 1974-80 if you remove the running boards and end ladders.

A few months ago this model showed up on ebay in slightly damaged condition, lacking one of the end railings and its factory storage box. After a few weeks in my watchlist I hit 'buy it now' and the car soon arrived by post as advertised. Rather than to just rebuild the missing end piece, I decided to remove the remaining one and build two from scratch for a more "common" look.

Follow along, like and comment daily as this beautiful model is brought back into the light!

[sd40dash2]

First order of business is to build up and install Black Cat storm doors.

[nebrzephyr]

Feb 26, 2024 5:27:38 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

First order of business is to build up and install Black Cat storm doors.

This should be a fun project to follow along.

Curious, what brand of paint is that in the corner of the photo.

Bob

[sd40dash2]

^ True Line paint kept nearby for minor touch-ups.

[Colin 't Hart]

The caboosemeister is at it again!

[sd40dash2]

The prototype had a Sinclair radio antenna, so add one to the model unless you model prior to the 1960s. Any CP caboose in this paint scheme should have a radio.

[cpr4200]

I seem to remember that car ... IIRC after it didn't sell at $40-50-ish BIN they raised the price!

[sd40dash2]

You only need to make up, paint and drill a few minor parts for this repair project. I know some would prefer to simply buy a replacement piece but the company that made these vans is long out of business. My goal with this thread is to show that building your own end platform section is really not that difficult.

[sd40dash2]

Here's the new storage box for the model. It would have been better for the vendor or prior owner not to discard the original box. RTR boxes are way better than these old-school ones. Don't discard your boxes!

[sd40dash2]

After they are painted and drilled, install the new end beam, mud guards and uncoupling lever/bracket.

[wagnersteve]

March 1, 2024, starting 7:13 p.m., EST

sdrodash2, your latest caboose predicatably looks terrific. Thanks for posting your projects with step by step descriptions of the great modeling you do.

[sd40dash2]

^ Thanks for the very kind feedback and encouragement!

[sd40dash2]

Show your work! This is where the business happens on rolling stock, so I decided on chalks to weather and age everything. Although painted this way in 1974, the caboose was already 30 years old by that point.

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Caboose Meister says… My goal with this thread is to show that building your own end platform section is really not that difficult.

Easy for YOU to say…

[sd40dash2]

Here's where we stand now. That factory multimark never looked right to me so I have been investigating ways to rectify. DanD aka Judge Doom has a blog which in 2016 detailed a cool way to make your own multimarks with measuring tools, masking and spray paint rather than decals.

[sd40dash2]

Mar 2, 2024 5:25:37 GMT -8 kentuckysouthernrwy said:

Caboose Meister says… My goal with this thread is to show that building your own end platform section is really not that difficult.

Easy for YOU to say…

Hmmm what am I doing in this thread that appears difficult? Maybe I or we can suggest something that might help make it easier for you?

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Hmmm what am I doing in this thread that appears difficult? Just a bit of the little bits and pieces that seem to challenge my manual dexterity at this point in my journey...I've built similar items back a dozen or more years ago when "rolling my own" UP CA-11 style caboose from The walther's bay window.

[sd40dash2]

^ Mmmmm you made a good point initially. Sorry to read you are having trouble with your dexterity as seeing us having fun must be frustrating for you if you were once used to doing this type of work. I assume by your ongoing support that my threads don't come across as 'rubbing it in your face'.

[Christian]

Mar 3, 2024 6:09:46 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

^ Mmmmm you made a good point initially. Sorry to read you are having trouble with your dexterity as seeing us having fun must be frustrating for you if you were once used to doing this type of work. I assume by your ongoing support that my threads don't come across as 'rubbing it in your face'.

Ditto here about not doing what I once could. And, no, you're not rubbing anything. I enjoy building models and reading about building models. That can't change for me. I still pick things up that are new to me. The difference is that twenty years ago I'd be likely to build a CP caboose along with these build threads. Not now. Too many boxes full of exciting projects, not enough years.

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Mar 3, 2024 6:09:46 GMT -8 sd40dash2 said:

^ Mmmmm you made a good point initially. Sorry to read you are having trouble with your dexterity as seeing us having fun must be frustrating for you if you were once used to doing this type of work. I assume by your ongoing support that my threads don't come across as 'rubbing it in your face'.

Absolutely not. Seeing the execution of a feat of real modelingactually beats the hell out of the endless bashing, griping and nit picking about colors and assorted minutia. Still bashing away at the work bench, overlooking the fact things take longer than they used to, getting more exercise than I like picking pieces up off the floor and finding that tool I just had.

Christian’s comments above pretty much covers how it is here, too.

[sd40dash2]

According to DanD, the middle part of the white section should be about half the widest section of black. The white part of this model factory multimark is definitely wrong! The old Herald King decal set is more correct, compare the two.

[sd40dash2]

In the 1950s, CP started installing metal safety grates along both outer edges of each stepwell on many wood cabooses. I have never seen this modelled before, so why not see if it can be done? Cut those from Scale Scenics walkway tread and install with ACC. Also install the brake staff and let that dry as well.

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

Those are nice additions, they don't grate on me, ain't that great?

I will say, the inboard grate looks like it could catch the legs on your bibs if you weren't careful with the open grid cuts.

[sd40dash2]

^ I remain grateful for your ongoing support and participation in this thread.

[grabirons]

That caboose looks grate. The decals appear more correct. Keep er up!

[sd40dash2]

The step grates on this prototype caboose were painted black, so do the same to your model once the ACC dries. I think these turned out ok, hopefully this makes the grade?

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

A+

[Christian]

[sd40dash2]

Paint and install end ladders followed by the top roof access extensions.

[sd40dash2]

Paint the new end details and mask off all windows in preparation for dullcote. Decision made to replace the multimarks with the decals below.