N6 / N9 Transfer Caboose
Proto Info
As the 1960s rolled on, American railroads were cash strapped and reusing everything they could. One thing that was a point of contention for the New York Central was the deplorable state of the old wooden cabooses they were still using on many of their branch line trains. These cars were falling apart and crews were very concerned with the safety of the old cars. With little money to spend on buying new cabooses and the potential merger with the Pennsylvania Railroad looming, the NYC turned to the Despatch Shops for something to provide crews with what they needed and accommodate a Union agreement to do away with the old wood cars. The answer was the N6 Transfer caboose.
The N6 and N6A class transfer cabooses were built in early 1966 by the New York Central in their Despatch Shops in Rochester, NY. Classed 977 by NYC, they were built on the frames of class 703F boxcars. Transfer cabooses were sparse inside, but provided the crew with a safe and relatively comfortable place to ride the rear of the train. The cars offered propane heat, but later were converted to oil heat.
In 1968, the NYC and PRR merged into Penn Central and the Despatch shops were tasked with building more of these spartan cabooses, which would be classed N9 on PC. These were almost identical to the N6, save for the lack of roof walks and some hand rail details. (N6 and N6A cars had their roof walks removed around this time as they were shopped and painted for the Penn Central).
In 1976, the failing Penn Central and several other railroads were merged together to form Conrail. The N6 and N6a classes did not make it to “Big Blue”, but the N9 cars soldiered on, slowly being retired as Conrail began to rid itself of cabooses during the 1980s. Some of the N9 class cars did survive long enough to go to CSX and NS in the 1999 Conrail split, at which point the N9 cars going to Conrail got a chance to wear the NYC reporting marks they were born too late for, albeit as “shoving platforms” with the interiors sealed off and only to provide crews a safe place to ride long shove moves.
The Model
Designed by Quantum Coachworks and distributed by Reading Car Company, the Transfer Caboose model is a faithful representation of the N6/N9 class cabooses. Made of steel with a mix of Precision Steel Car and custom formed handrails and metal and 3D printed details, these cars would make a great addition to your Live Steam train. Quantum Coachworks can also omit the handrail detail on one end of the car to make a great conductor’s caboose! The caboose also features a removable roof to allow for storage. These cars are being offered as kits or as completed models.
Ordering Options:
Kit - $1475
This is all of the cut and formed steel sheet for the caboose, plus the buyer will receive all of the steel angle, steel rod, brakes and grab iron details in the kit, though the steel handrails will need to be individually cut and formed during assembly. The 3D printed window frames will be included with this kit. Assembly drawings are included. This kit does not include trucks and/or couplers.
Ready to Run - $2350
The kit will be completely assembled, painted/powder coated to the buyers spec, decals included. This price does not include trucks and couplers, but if the buyer needs trucks and couplers, those can be added at retail value for their chosen brand.
Ready to Run Conductor’s Caboose - $2500
The same as Ready to Run, but the handrails will be omitted on one end and an all weather seat will be added to the top of the car to make a ridable conductor’s caboose.
Ordering:
To order a caboose, a deposit of $1000 is required at the time of order. For kits, the remaining amount plus shipping (if applicable) is due when the steel is delivered to Quantum Coachworks (est time for delivery is mid to end of November). For Ready to Run cars and Conductor’s cars, the balance is billed and due when the car is ready for delivery or shipping. If shipping is chosen, buyer is to pay actual shipping and crating charges. Pickup can be done either at Quantum Coachworks’ HQ near Dayton, OH or Reading Car Company HQ in Reading, PA. We can also work with you to find other shipping alternatives.
When you order, you will choose whether you want the kit or a finished car. Quantum Coachworks will reach out to you to discuss the details of your caboose after the order window closes.
