I used a walthers caboose for this projects, they appear from time to time on Ebay. I have another in transit to build myself a second one. I think you can also find Con Cor models that are available as well. Here is one currently on ebay Ebay auction I used an Atlas chassis on mine
Thanks to Patrick B who supplied me some of the detail decals I was able to add a few details to the caboose. I also painted the bottom step and handrails. Once the blue buzzsaw decals arrive I'll be able to add numbers and finish this project. also thanks to Eagle2 for sedning me decals for the next one
I need some advice from you guys. Should I add white decal stripes to the model? The prototype had a screen over the window. I used paintshop to see what it may look like, what do you all think??? Should I yes or no?
Paul, I tried the same thing on the first one I made using thin brass wire (I think .006) and found that the numbers got squished in the process, so I think on my next one I'll use a little license and leave the screens off.
The decals arrived today so I couldnt wait until the weekend I had to finish the caboose now. Here is the finished caboose, it has come out better than I thought possible. I'm so pleased I'm doing another
I think it would be difficult getting the screens on without obscuring the number decals a bit. Looks great as it is.
Paul; That looks GREAT. Kind of like going back in time. Thanks for the article. Keep on MOPac Modeling MOPHEAD
Looks good (if you like that sort of thing) but please don't refer to it as a "tranfer caboose" or you might cause permanent mental damage to someone. Charlie
Paul/Paul Was doing a little surfing at lunch (the November weather here in St. Louis, Mo. is so warm I had to put on my trunks). I found a 4X4 site where the guy also has some rail photos. One of the photos is of caboose #13878, it looks like it never had screens on it. The site is www.brian894x4.com/rrmarcomphotos. If it's the same prototype you're modeling then you don't need the screen. HTH MOPHEAD
Just in case this comes in handy for future Mopac short bay window caboose projects: http://www.geocities.com/t_mcclenahan/Models/caboose.html ~Tim
Thanks for the comments and information guys, tim I'm actually considering doing one of those cabooses as well
Here is the second unit, I made a few little changes to make thewm a little different. So thats my 2 SBW's and now for my next project
My next project is a modified capola caboose. The finished project should look similar to this I started off with a Atlas Capoola caboose, I recently bought 2 of these but only need one for a Rock Island train so I decided to convert the second to the MoPac Caboose This model is a wooden I think but needs to be converted to a steel caboose so I sanded down the sides and removed the roofwalks This last pic shows the humbrol putty to remove the unwanted windows. Although there seems to be excess putty it is easily sanded off using gritt paper. I also used it to fill the holes from the roof walks. More pics during the week if I get time
You really are into kitbashing these days Paul I look forward to seeing the progress reports on this one
I wish I had the patience for that kind of detail work. Between being a father, student and full time employee of the county I must rely on RTR stuff. Heck, most of the time my various attempts at layouts don't even have buldings or anything else, just a few folded note cards letting me know which industry is which. I'm just happy to run my trains and do a bit of randon switching once a week.
