Thanks to all who replied with info on the Pacemaker Caboose. I think I may just try to make my own. Building for me has always been less of a problem then painting.
So will buy 2 Lionel NYC Cabooses and splice them together. I will cut one right in front of the 3rd window and use that for the front of the caboose. I will cut the other right behind the 2nd window and use that for the rear of the caboose. This will double the distance between the windows at the center of the caboose which should be about right. If in can find Prototype dimensions somewhere I will adjust this as required. I will sand the grab irons and hooky lantern bases off the car. Also will remove paint. Then will cover sides (cutouts for windows) and ends of body with 0.010" styrene (= 1/2" plywood). Also will add frame sills below body like the prototype. Under carriage will just splice to length.
Then the hard part, painting. Finally will add wire grabs. Won't be 100%, but closer than what's commercially available.
Other alternative is just use 1 caboose and lengthen center section with styrene similar in thickness to Lionel body. Would still cover with 0.010 styrene, including roof, but that would require removing molded in roof walkway. Not sure what that would do, because the inside of the body follows the walkway so could be a problem. Would also require adding new separate walkways. It would be more accurate, but think for me, not worth the extra work for the gain in accuracy.
If I am going to do that much work, probably should find Prototype drawings and build from scratch, and really make it correct. Problem with that is it would outshine the rest of my equipment. I like prototype proportions, but not trying to build to that level of accuracy.
Thanks again to everyone your help - Jim
