Reply to "HOW I DID IT...Enhancements to the Lionel N5b cabin car (caboose)"

Thank you everyone for the kind words and encouragement.  Its very much appreciated!   Especially coming from all you PRR experts out there!

To answer some specific questions:

PRR Man posted:

Great work John. Very thorough. And you've given a couple important tips for my N5e build. Thanks!

I know plastic is easier to work with, but the KTM N5b wasn't a viable starting point?

Chris, while I could have started with any one of a number of N5 modelss,  I chose the Lionel because its dimensions and configuration are spot on.  Plus there is a certain cachet in converting a Lionel car into a really accurate model.  I am told that the KTM N5b has the original (as built) short porch and roof overhang, which would have to be extended to accomodate the collision posts.   More seriously, the cupola sides do not extend down to the sides, but rather end on top of the roof.  So there is a little porch between the cupola side and the roof.  That would have been a challenge to deal with.  And, of course, working with plastic is easier!

BobbyD posted:

A very nicely done project. Where are the decals from?

Bobby D, I got mine from Mount Vernon Shops:

 http://www.mountvernonshops.com/

They don't list the O scale decals on their website, but give them a call. Maybe they will print a set for you

G3750 posted:

Awesome John!     I trust we'll see this cabin car at the PRRT&HS Annual Meeting in May?  It should win something!

George

George, thanks for the encouragement.  I will go, but I don't know if my cabin will.  First I am not much on contests, second I don't plan to stay for the whole meeting.

Gregg posted:

  As a retired conductor it's   nice to see.  Really well done . I like the knuckle, hose bags and  uncoupling  lever.  Why the 2 hose bags? 

Gregg.. one hose is for the brake airline, the other for the signal line.   Oddly enough, I was able to use the Lionel provided brake air hose.  It is too big a diameter for the brake line, but just right for the signal hose!

flanger posted:

John...That Cabin is stunning, and your execution is masterful. This project and the exceptional results go far beyond the average posting here, and I appreciate seeing someone go the distance to build something so outstanding.  You do Pennsy proud!

Bob

Bob,  thanks for the kind words, but more importantly, sorry I did not mention my appreciation of your work in my original post!  I still have a photo of your N8 on my computer.  

Cheers!

John