Converting a Coupla Caboose to a Transfer Caboose

[Mike Kieran]

If I wanted to convert a caboose to a transfer caboose, how would I replace the roof to make it so?

[Ralph]

Hiya Mike,

I love transfer cabooses. What style of caboose are you starting with? Does it have the Northeastern style box on the top, the oversize high visibility cupola, or more of the rounded edged Pennsey N8 style? Are you thinking of making something simply boxy like this?
I cobbled this together a few years ago by cutting parts from two Tyco cabeese that had the N8 style of cupolas.



This one was made from a cut down Northeastern style Life Like caboose...


In both cases I used sections of the original caboose roofs and joined them together after discarding the cupolas. I hid the seams with green putty. Mine aren't perfect but the lines don't appear too noticeable. I'm guessing you might use a scrap boxcar roof, perhaps?

Looking forward to seeing what you're up to!
Ralph

[Mike Kieran]

I was hoping to convert a Proto 2000 Northeastern caboose and I have an Athearn caboose like the ones next to your KP&W transfer caboose.

I have a transfer caboose like your PC caboose, but in Conrail blue and lettering. I'm going to reletter that one since I have a Proto 2000 SW8 in Conrail colors and lettering.

I was thinking more along the lines of a Long Island Railroad N-22, but freelanced.

[mountaingoatgreg]

Mike,

Moloco makes a roof that could be cut down to size to put on your caboose...
http://www.molocotrains.com/rf-0801-stan...-roof.html

I think that Intermountain or red caboose have sold their roofs as seperate peices in tha past, but they are often harder to find.

Post some pictues when you get working on your project!!

[Mike Kieran]

Ralph,
Some of my message got wiped out. I love the cabeese. You don't think they came out good, but they did.

Greg, thanks, I'll give it a better look. I like the roof parts. I think that you're onto something.

[shortliner]

Bobber caboose body on a shortened flat car - or on an old caboose chassis (shortened by about 4 feet out of the middle which leaves steps at each end) with the roof cupola removed, roof patched and a stove chimney added. Side railings courtesy of Plastruct

[Sumpter250]

http://www.trainsarefun.com/modeling/Sce...0Kalis.jpg

A model of a LIRR N-22

http://strasburgvalleyrailroadcompany.we...hapter.htm some good photos of the N-22, C-60.

My best guess would be the roof from an Athearn "Bay Window" caboose.....actually, the Athearn could be bashed into an N-22, or an N-22a body, fairly easily. Then, you'd have to choose a flat car to put it on, and a color to paint it.

[Ralph]

Nice pics Pete! Mike, if that's what you are planning to make it looks like a great project.
Ralph