i used an Atlas N scale widevision caboose to get the essential measurements. i have some nice photos of prototypes, but none that gave measurements. i used two standard MTL center-cupola shells, but only one of frames and end rail sets. total length was extended by 5-1/2 Z scale feet (to be frame) and achieved by cutting the caboose sides differently. the first cut was just behind the cupola on one shell. the second shell was cut to fit the 31' total length (to door ends, not including end porches). a piece of roof had to be spliced in to fill up the gap up to the cupola (about 3 scale feet). i filled in the center most windows with thin clear styrene and then filled that with squadron putty. the sides were smoothed of indentations and rivets with only the end windows remaining. the rounded caboose roof was then sanded to two flat sides (slight peak) and pieces of thin styrene were cut and glued to the top to simulate the corrigations. a new cupola ends, sides and roof were made and attached. overall the effect seems right, though i know there are variations among Rio Grande cabeese that might warrant improvements or additions. after two failed attempts to narrow and shorten the N scale decals (bad batch -- separating and breaking constantly) i just used the N microscale decals as is. i hope you like it. dave f.
Now that's sweet! Anyone have a couple shells they don't want? Now to choose, Big Sky Blue, or standard caboose red? Maybe both!! It sound easy now!
If the underframe is the same length as the normal MTL caboose then you could make a squish-mold of the body and mass produce the new caboose body. John Bartolotto
hi john, the frame was also extended 5-1/2'. the picture of the caboose on its side is meant to show the "splice" in the bottom (just to the right of the hanging (battery?) box. the Grande did have some center cupola wide-vision cars, but the length is still the same, so there was less cutting and splicing to do by making the caboose with a long and short end. i have no skills with molds or casting, but if someone else wants to try, i'd be glad to work up another shell. dave f.
Dave, I could squish mold it for you, but my concern would be the bottom. Modellers would still have to splice and build the bottom themselves. If they are willing to do that then I have no problem making a squish mold for you and casting what you need. Contact me offline at jsbart@pjsnet1.de after 17 Apr (I'll be on vacation 6-16 Apr) and we can discuss it. I am surprised that MTL hasn't come out with a new line of cabooses like this. John Bartolotto
I may have to do one of those in DT&I... once I finsh my GP35 and modifying an ACL steel-side caboose. Nice work! Adam
looks like i've got my work cut out for me. i have to get new cabooses and do the rework. now that i know what to do it shouldn't be too difficult. the splice in the frame could be done with another molded part, which would require people to cut their frames themselves and glue it in. if we were to go with a new shell AND frame, all that would be needed would be the endrails and smoke stack and we'd be promoting a whole new product. well, i'll make the part and you guys can figure out how to produce it. MTL is coming out with a new caboose, i heard. i wonder what kind? just our luck, huh? final point -- nothing will happen for me (on moving on this project) until june -- and maybe late june at that. i have a very busy month ahead, and some already committed repaints and projects. i'll do my best. dave f.
I'd be interested in a couple of these... If I can talk Robert to make the 01400's in Z, then, the 'Grande guys would be stylin'!
