I inherited, among many Z rolling stock, a CNJ caboose (Liberty logo) and a Reading (Reading spelled out) bobber caboose. They are both nicely detailed and not scratch built, so I am wondering who produced these. I'll provide pictures later. Thanks, Scott
Most likely MARKLIN on the CNJ. Although, what couplers do they have? If MTL, then they most likely had the ZELATORY conversion done to them. EDIT: I just noticed you said the Reading is a "bobber"....hmmm that could be interesting. Yeah, would love to see pics. The CNJ is currently listed twice or so on Ebay.
Lance, I believe it is neither, I now have quite the collection of Marklin Caboose, so I know it's not them. I also believe neither have been modified. Thanks, Scott
I was "kinda thinkin" you knew what the MARKLIN's looked like because of your dad's collection and your vast experience in Z already. But the CNJ raised a flag for me, as I had just seen them listed. Hmmm, this could be interesting to see what these are.
Lance, Thanks for the ego boost, but I still have a lot to learn about Z! The CNJ caboose has the ladders that loop over and attach to the top of the roof. The little Reading bobber looks manufactured as well. Also, I am discovering that Atlas made some Z scale stock. How much, I don't know. Scott
I'm not a Z Scaler, but a quick search found that Micro-Trains made this style in Reading with two different road numbers, but it's not a bobber caboose.
Atlas Z rolling stock? That would be news to me. What are you referencing? And the bobber caboose MIGHT be Chicago Railcar? It's a starting point, anyway. Here is all I found with a quick search:
Just in time too because I didn’t think I’d be able to get any sleep unless I saw these pictures. In my opinion, the CNJ is a Micro Trains product. It mirrors all of the others I have in my possession or have seen. Also, I checked MTL’s database online and while I did find two hits on CNJ, however RD# 282 was not acknowledged. Could this be a one off factory prototype or test specimen? As for the READING bobber, that’s above my pay grade to be able to address that one. Darn cool though!
I believe that's one built by The Chicago Railcar co. way back in the day!! Pretty rare, and I believe is brass? Probably back in the 90's? I saw one for bidding on Ebay not that long ago, but it was broken and only went for $30, I think. Knowing your Dad from back when doing all the Z he did, these are probably original and rare!
Hardcover, Kez, Lance and Kurt, Thanks for the input. If the CNJ caboose is an MTL, than it might be a prototype in that it has window inserts, a tool box, and the ladder rail on the roof, different from all the other MTL caboose. They may be rare, but the are definitely plastic. There is another bobber, yellow and undecorated. Too bad there is not more info on Chicago Railcar Co. Scott
I seem to recall an article on Chicago Railcar Co, in an old issue of Ztrack, shortly after Rob K. took over.
I found it! Jan/Feb. 1998, not Chicago, but Portland Railcar in Oregon. Overton coaches and a bobber caboose in brass.
Vern, I also have that issue, my dad did not throw any of the early Tracks out. Those brass coaches and caboose are beautiful little models! Too bad the Chicago Railcar Co. is not still around. Unfortunately, both bobber caboose I have are plastic, not brass. I have some more rolling stock I can't identify, and I'll post those when I can take photos. Thanks for the feedback so far. Scott
For comparison here are a few pictures of my Portland Railcar Brass Overton Coaches, Bobber Cabooses, Crane Car and Tender. all Patiently waiting for me to find the various Orignal parts needed to complete them. If anyone has any pieces or parts that look like they may be a part of one of these please PM me. I have a couple other Bobber cabooses that are in good working order But they were not made by Portland Railcar or Chicago Railcar. They are Fred Ladd Customs, Fred was very good at cutting down N scale or even other Z scale plastic models to make what he wanted. Below is one of Fred's creations. If you look carefully you can see the lines where he cut a Marklin caboose down to make this Bobber caboose
Portland Rail Car released 8 cars in total for the American market they were available as kits and as "ready to run". 4 Overton Coaches, the Bobber Cabooses, the Crane Car and Tender, And the 8th was a Canadian Pacific Observation car. I forget where I got this picture from but hear are all 8 in their orignal "ready to run" plastic cases. And here is one of the 3 brass coach kits released for the European market
Thanks David! Nice collection! Well I guess that rules out Portland Railcar. Might be one of Fred's, but they sure look manufactured, no signs of kit bashing. Scott
Brian Williams, the owner of Chicago Railcar Co. had uploaded these images to the groups.io Z scale group. The album title is "Chicago Railcar Company 25th Anniversary". I think this is your caboose. A post from 2015 from Brian Williams also stated: "It was 25 years ago in 1990 that the Chicago Railcar Company manufactured Z-gauge rolling stock and accessories. It's first and most popular car was the Reading Bobber Caboose. This was my company and in honor of this anniversary, I posted some pictures in the photos area showing some rare development prototypes." -Matt
Matt, Bingo! That's it! Thanks for the identification. Be interesting to find out the CNJ caboose origins. Scott
Wow, that's a snazzy case for them, beautiful!! He should bring these back for the 35th Anniversary in 2025!!
