Scratch Build Modeling the DODX Caboose Fleet

Mike Summerfield Jun 26, 2020

  1. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Hi all,

    I am currently designing and getting ready to scratch build a prototype of the DODX caboose fleet. I have ordered all materials, and have the preliminary line drawings started. If the prototype works out, I will resin cast it as a kit possibly. Let me know what you think. I have been researching these caboose's for a long time, and there are no models like it in existence. Some people have painted and decaled similar models, but the DODX fleet only has one window on each side. I will post regular updates.

    DODX-903-ART.jpg
    DODX-CABS.jpg
     
  2. gjslsffan

    gjslsffan Staff Member

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    I am interested Mike.
    I see the FRA stripes on a couple cabs. Just curious. Is this a modern time frame? Or is this maybe a few models over a few time frames? I been on a few military trains and have yet to have a cab on one, but I can certainly see where it would be a good thing.
    Please tell us more about the DODX cabooses.
    Thank You.
     
  3. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Hello gjslsffan and good morning.
    I have done extensive research on these, there are recent videos on YouTube of these caboose's moving around on the rails as of 2019. The fleet has six cars that I can find, some look to have been refurbished recently. They number from DODX 900 - 905. I have not found any others though. There are also a lot of photos out there as well. My line art is not yet complete, but they have window unit air conditioners and the wide vision window on these are much larger than on standard wide vision caboose's. Also the Cupula sits further back. Also there are antennas and sensors on the roof. The side windows do not appear to actually be windows, they look to have metal screens and some kind of vent system that opens like blinds, more research is required on those. The front and back has "do not hump" Instruments Car - next to the door. Also they look like they are armored, there are no rivets or panels on the sides.

    These are usually seen accompanying nuclear waste transport flask cars such as the DODX 38870 and other nuclear loads. I plan on building a kit of these as well, and the DODX flat cars and box cars as well. After I complete those, I'm going to start working on a kit for the maintenance of way rail grinding units, the LORAM RG400 and RGS. A lot of exiting work coming, and I cant wait. I will post regular updates and photos of the progress. all of the materials should be here mid next week. Thanks for your interest.

    Mike
     
  4. gjslsffan

    gjslsffan Staff Member

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    Thanks Mike!
    The more you explain, the more interesting the subject becomes. Your explanation makes perfect sense. On a side note I have been on a few trains from a USAF base in UT to Points east, via the Moffat tunnel with classified HD flat cars, that may make a vessel go really fast upon launch.
     
    Mike Summerfield likes this.
  5. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Here is a good photo of a nuclear transport with a DODX Caboose at the end.

    Mike
     

    Attached Files:

    Joe Lovett and dalebaker like this.
  6. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Hello all-

    Here is an update, I have completed one of the cupula side windows. It was a very tedious task but the micro mark chop it tool worked great. I was able to cut 45 degree angles on the window frame.

    Mike
     

    Attached Files:

    bremner likes this.
  7. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Test fitting cupula with some tape....
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Hello-
    Got some great news today, Loram gave me permission to use their logo on future models of the RGS Rail Grinder. This will be my next model. They also are going to provide me with shop drawings of the units so I can get the scale accurate. I never even thought I would get a reply, After I finish the DODX Caboose I will be jumping on this project. rgs.jpg
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    That's pretty awesome. I have always dreamed about making one of these and using it to hide a cleaning roller or track cleaning pad in one of the grinding stone carriages. Obviously you can't really grind HO track, but cleaning track is basically the scale equivalent. It would be a lot more realistic than a cleaning pad under a boxcar. My favorite unit is the small one that loads onto an 89' flatcar.
     
    Mike Summerfield likes this.
  10. Mike Summerfield

    Mike Summerfield New Member

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    Hey Mr. Trainiac, how's it going? I plan on placing a cleaning pad under the grinding unit. I also figured out a way to simulate the grinding sparks underneath with orange and red led's flashing, well in theory anyways. Also the lighting on the sides with fiber optics and really small diameter clear plastic tubing. I am going to resin cast them as kits and see how they do once I have the mold master models completed. I am still working on a company name, and a website for the kits. I am going to only focus on equipment that is not readily available in the model train world. Mostly DODX nuclear rolling stock and maintenance of way vehicles. Its going to take a little time, as I still work a full time job, but I am just getting started. I will post regular updates of the progress though.
     

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