This transfer caboose started life as a standard caboose.Although it turned out good I soon found that it did not fit my needs,so after giving it a lot of thought I went to work on it.


I began by stripping the car down. I then added a new floor and new sides and stake pockets. The resulting car only measures 35' in length and I figured it was ideal for heavy loads.I then built a cooling tower and attached it to the deck.I also added weights inside the tower. I was happy with the results but not able to leave well enough,I went one step further and added a hard wood pad to the underside for track cleaning.There are two dowels on the pad which fit into holes in the frame and some lead weights. I now have a duel purpose car that fills my needs.The dark stripes on the bottom of the wood pad are a result of running it on the track.
This was another fun project to build and the results are worth it.

Enjoy
Bob

I was wondering what you have been up to lately. I think your car came out great! The cooling tower is scratchbuilt? It looks fantastic - the guy wires are a nice touch. I also built a track cleaning car similar to yours, except mine looks like a block of wood with trucks screwed on to the bottom! A few times around my layout, and performance is significantly improved.

Kevin-thanks for the reply and comments,I appreciate it.Yes-the cooling tower is scratch built. It's a little hard to see in the picture but on the left side I added pipes for water connections.
As far as the pad is concerned I still tweeking it.I put a new one on last night.A little wider than the one shown because I had a problem with it catching on one or two switch points.Now the problem is solved with the wider one. I chose the use of dowels because it allows the pad to adjust to any uneven spots on the rails.
Bob

nice save, now i have to go out to the shop and dig out the old athearn DR&W caboose that i was given some time back it was in bad shape so i removes the bad end and broken roof and cupula and made it into a pay car(allmost that is still needs painted) so i can post a pic of it.
jim

Even though I'm a big fan of kitbashing transfer cabooses I'll forgive you for ditching the little cabin and say I like the new car!

Ralph

Thanks for the comments guys.
Have no fear Ralph-I still have the cabin,handrails and ladders.Would you have a use for them?If interested send me a PM.
Bob

Thanks Bob, I appreciate that but I have many more cabooses than I can use.
Ralph

I'll tell you what Ralph-I'll put it in a safe place and should you ever change your mind then my offer will still stand.
Bob

Thanks!

I think you will need those leftover parts for a future creative endeavor

Perhaps,but for me it's always fun to start fresh. To be honest with you,right now I have nothing planned except for the installation of some more detail part.
Bob

that's a nice change from the transfer hack, and the load came out well also.

Thanks again for the comments.
Bob