Northeastern Caboose - From Jeff Z’s page
Prototype
When you live in the eastern United States and think of cabooses, a couple come directly to mind. The unique Pennsy N5C is one and the other is likely the “Northeastern” type center coupla caboose. These cabooses were the most commonly found in the eastern US with most railroads owning at least a couple. The Reading Company built almost 300 of these cabooses for their own use starting in 1924. They also sold them either assembled or in kit form to many other northeastern railroads. They served their original owners so well that they lasted long into railroads like Conrail, but were mostly phased out in the early 1980s, then being sold to shortline and tourist operators or scrapped. There are some, however, that live on at the Class 1 railroads to this day, most notably CNW 261531, a former Lehigh Valley car that still works in Union Pacific work train service.
Our Model
Our model of the NE Caboose is a faithful representation of this model and gives you many features to customize your car for your particular railroad. All cars have a design that requires riveting and welding to assemble your kit. Rivets, screw and bolt hardware and 1x2 tube steel center sill are included along with Precision Steel Car grab irons and brake gear along with exterior 3D printed smoke stack and steps. At time of order, you will be able to choose which type of car ends you would like to have. Options are blind end (no windows), single offset square window, double square centered window and “porthole” windows. You will also be able to choose which type of steps you would like, either standard 2 step or Lehigh Valley 3 step. Also available for an extra charge are the interior detail kit which includes lockers, coupla seats, beds, sink, stove, and conductor's desk. 3D printed under-car toolboxes are also available for purchase. Another item available for later cars is window plate-outs, which was common in the Conrail years and later. Trucks and couplers are not included. (Note… LSP loop shank couplers are recommended)
Availability
The first run of these cars will be kits only, unless we’ve previously discussed your project. Our shops are currently too far behind schedule to build a large batch of cabooses. We will re-run these cars at a later date for “factory assembled” cars, however we cannot guarantee the same pricing due to constantly shifting prices on steel on future runs.
Pre-Order
Click below to order your cars online. The pre-order window will close on ((((DATE)))) with expected delivery of kits on or about ((((DATE)))). Cars can be picked up at our shop or we can deliver to many places in OH, PA, NY, NJ, MD or DE. Other US shipping will be at actual cost via UPS. ($75-$125 based on location). We can also ship internationally.