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I’ll certainly going to give it a look when the artwork is all up. The best looking and correctly detailed is probably a 2 rail brass model by NJ brass. With a little work you can adapt Atlas trucks to it. The downside is the price. I have one in bare brass to paint and decal into a B&A. Below is a NYC one.

AC429BA7-2F58-4B42-AD29-C73A53DD0543

I do like the Williams as a starting point. Thank you Mario for digging up that old thread. I have one of those to redo. Plan to add queens posts and truss rods.

Lionel’s is pretty correct design wise. It’s just the clunky details from the 80’s that still exist today. One of my Rutland conversions. I re did the handrails using square brass stock that fit the holes in the platform and then bent up new rails using phosfor bronze wire and soldered them on. Replaced the brake staff with piano wire and a Precision Scale brake wheel.  Tichy grab irons were also added.

17FA34BC-94EA-437C-8812-5B3ED2BCE693

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@Dave_C posted:

The best looking and correctly detailed is probably a 2 rail brass model by NJ brass. With a little work you can adapt Atlas trucks to it. The downside is the price.



I do like the Williams as a starting point. Thank you Mario for digging up that old thread. I have one of those to redo. Plan to add queens posts and truss rods.

Lionel’s is pretty correct design wise. It’s just the clunky details from the 80’s that still exist today.

I suspect you'll likely see this premier tooling with the appropriate B&A lettering.

A "decent" looking model aside from the incorrect truck spacing. I don't see MTH fixing this.

I find the truck spacing less obnoxious than Lionels oversized grab irons and stack.

20220424_112522

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Last edited by RickO
@RickO posted:

I find the truck spacing less obnoxious than Lionels oversized grab irons and stack.

No so with me. The strange almost-beyond-the-ends-of-the-car truck spacing on some of these NYC cabs was always a definite No Sale. The "old" Lionel model still looks pretty good, though I too wish that they would improve the railings and stack.

Or not. Those things are tough - I dropped one from the layout (4 feet) to the floor (not concrete, but not carpeted, either) and the only thing that happened was that the body popped loose at one end - snap-on tabs - and the railings/ladder needed repositioning. Back on the track in 5 minutes. Maybe those "finer" details would not be totally a step forward....

I just got off the telephone with Rich at MTH Electric Trains and it looks like we will be offering a Premier Boston & Albany 35’ wood-sided Caboose.  We are going to be working on artwork soon.  Thank you to @CentralFan1976 (Mario) and many of you for your interest in this project.  Please post more photographs and detailed prototype information to this thread.  Together, we will make it happen and deliver it to you.  Thank you!

I just got off the telephone with Rich at MTH Electric Trains and it looks like we will be offering a Premier Boston & Albany 35’ wood-sided Caboose.  We are going to be working on artwork soon.  Thank you to @CentralFan1976 (Mario) and many of you for your interest in this project.  Please post more photographs and detailed prototype information to this thread.  Together, we will make it happen and deliver it to you.  Thank you!

Awesome,  thanks JR Junction and MTH for stepping up where Lionel wouldn’t

There will be two road numbers available.  The total cabooses made will depend on the demand.  Incidentally we are doing two New York Central cabooses with surviving restored prototypes in Central and Western New York State.

Mario said y’all were in the worx on the NYC’s,…..so definitely count me in,….thanks to you guys and Mario for making this happen!…..appreciate the effort!..

Pat

There will be two road numbers available.  The total cabooses made will depend on the demand.  Incidentally we are doing two New York Central cabooses with surviving restored prototypes in Central and Western New York State.

Are these offerings not yet up on your website? I haven't popped over there yet to have a look as I saw this topic late last night. You can definitely count me in on B&A and NYC for sure. I need more cabooses for both, that is a big for sure.

Are these offerings not yet up on your website? I haven't popped over there yet to have a look as I saw this topic late last night. You can definitely count me in on B&A and NYC for sure. I need more cabooses for both, that is a big for sure.

Not yet, artwork is still being discussed, with research being done by a bunch of us, Including @Dave_C @CentralFan1976 and @JR Junction Train & Hobby  So it could be a while.  Mario started this thread to gauge interest which seems to be there.

@superwarp1 posted:

Not yet, artwork is still being discussed, with research being done by a bunch of us, Including @Dave_C @CentralFan1976 and @JR Junction Train & Hobby  So it could be a while.  Mario started this thread to gauge interest which seems to be there.

Ah, thanks Gary. Great minds working on this effort. Ironically, when I was at my LTS this weekend, Tony had one of Lionel's B&A sets that was mail order only(that was written on his ticket for it). I think that this was one of the conventional sets from maybe late 80's or very early 90's(not sure as I'm no expert). Maybe he'll have it at York.

Today, I have confirmed with MTH Electric Trains, our custom Boston & Albany and New York Central caboose(s) will have the correct high-rail caboose bettendorf trucks.  (Two-Rail caboose bettendorf trucks are shown).  MTH stock catalog photographs of previously offered products show the incorrect trucks.

As soon as the artwork is complete and we have approved the artwork for production, we will have them listed on our web site for pre-orders.  I am excited that we have received enough interest to move forward with Boston & Albany and the New York Central cabooses (four different road numbers total).

Today, I have confirmed with MTH Electric Trains, our custom Boston & Albany and New York Central caboose(s) will have the correct high-rail caboose bettendorf trucks.  (Two-Rail caboose bettendorf trucks are shown).  MTH stock catalog photographs of previously offered products show the incorrect trucks.

As soon as the artwork is complete and we have approved the artwork for production, we will have them listed on our web site for pre-orders.  I am excited that we have received enough interest to move forward with Boston & Albany and the New York Central cabooses (four different road numbers total).

You are AWESOME!

My milk trains needs a proper caboose!

Last edited by CentralFan1976
@Norton posted:

Phil, FYI, this caboose is in Northeast, PA (near Erie) if you prefer road numbers of still existing cabeese.

63CB45EE-1077-4B1E-A1B5-2D01D9A75674

Pete

Pete, I know this caboose VERY well.  It is now fully restored and located on the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse NY.  Before it was saved by our society, it served as a hotdog stand in nearby DeWitt.85593EFF-0FFF-4401-968B-E162A4482BF9

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YES, the caboose will be EASILY convertible to two-rail.  We carry these 2-rail trucks and have some in stock today.

https://jrjunction.com/product...tendorf-caboose-trk/

There will be scale Kadee-compatible coupler pads included in the package with every caboose.

That is super cool. Thank you.

Just to confirm will there be Kadee mounting pads on the actual model? Or how do the pads that are included in the package attach to the model?

@Hudson J1e posted:

That is super cool. Thank you.

Just to confirm will there be Kadee mounting pads on the actual model? Or how do the pads that are included in the package attach to the model?

The pads will be separate in a bag in the box with the caboose.  You’ll install  with the kadee using 2mm screws.  The pads will give the correct height for the kadee with the three rail wheels,  If you swap trucks with the two rail wheels the pads will not be required.

I forgot to mention the three rail trucks will require modification to remove the oversized lobster claw

Last edited by superwarp1

@superwarp1

I have never put kadee couplers on my milk cars but after looking at your video, they look great. So I am going to convert them.

1. Do you have a video on how to remove the factory - Lionel coupler and install the new kadee coupler?

2. Is their a specific coupler to purchase and who would have them? MictoMark?

3. Does the 2MM screw come with the kadee coupler? Where do I get them? MicroMark?

Thanks,

Kevin

@PSU1980 posted:

@superwarp1

I have never put kadee couplers on my milk cars but after looking at your video, they look great. So I am going to convert them.

I've only converted the new Lionel milk cars due to the bad lobster claw design they came up with.  I haven't done my milk cars from twenty years ago

1. Do you have a video on how to remove the factory - Lionel coupler and install the new kadee coupler?

there are many methods, depending on the type of truck you have, many videos on Youtube and many experts here on the forum.

2. Is their a specific coupler to purchase and who would have them? MictoMark?

I use Kadee #805 primarily, I purchase from the cheapest source, you'll need to do a search who has the best prices right now.

3. Does the 2MM screw come with the kadee coupler? Where do I get them? MicroMark?

Get all my screws from https://www.microfasteners.com/   I keep 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm lengths on hand.  I use shims from MicoMark and I use Mario's shims he developed for the milk cars which can be had from Shapeway. see this thread.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...adee-conversion-beta

https://www.shapeways.com/prod...8&li=marketplace

Thanks,

Kevin

We are very pleased with the apparent demand of the two Boston & Albany cabooses!  Even though I already mentioned this a little, we're excited to announce we are producing models of these two New York Central Cabooses to honor two surviving in New York State museums.

NYC 19144
This caboose 19144 is the oldest known surviving 19000 series caboose as-built in Oswego, NY.  It was recently 100% professionally restored by the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Inc. and on public display at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY.   More information about this caboose can be found here: https://cnynrhs.org/web/wp-con...02/caboose_19144.pdf and Here: https://cnynrhs.org/web/equipment/freight-cars/



NYC 19877
New York Central 19877 was donated to the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in 1986.  In 2002, museum volunteers made many repairs and repainted it.  The caboose is used occasionally in service on the museum's operating display railroad.  More information about this caboose is here: https://www.rgvrrm.org/about/railroad/nyc19877/



Availability, features, pre-order information and prices will be announced as soon as the models artwork is completed.

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@romiller49 posted:

Is the B&A available for order yet?

The reservations for our custom run Boston & Albany caboose and New York Central caboose will be taken as soon as we get product numbers from MTH Electric Trains.  The official announcement has been delayed since MTH Electric Trains is upgrading the tooling to better fit their "Premier" line standards.

Hopefully we will soon start taking pre-orders for the Boston & Albany, New York Central and possibly the Rutland Railroad!

YES, you heard right!  These will include the following upgraded details not found on previous models:

A)  Redesigned steps to be more scale-like.
B) New realistic and scale illuminated marker lanterns.
C) Wood-Grain details on end platform floors.
Possibly more to come!

The addition of these upgraded details are delaying the process slightly, but the finished product will be worth the wait.

We are offering two different road numbers in Boston & Albany and New York Central. (see photographs above)

YES, you heard right!  These will include the following upgraded details not found on previous models:

A)  Redesigned steps to be more scale-like.
B) New realistic and scale illuminated marker lanterns.
C) Wood-Grain details on end platform floors.
Possibly more to come!

The addition of these upgraded details are delaying the process slightly, but the finished product will be worth the wait.

We are offering two different road numbers in Boston & Albany and New York Central. (see photographs above)

Awesome.

I am new to all this, but have a question.  I realize the Pacemaker Cabooses were sheathed over in plywood (to hide the wood grain) and were actually longer in length but.... Would there be the possibility of running some in that paint scheme if there was enough interest?  It would be close enough for me.  I have been slowly acquiring Weaver Pacemaker Box Cars over the last year and need a matching caboose to complete the train .  I would buy 2 instead of just one, if that would help get it produced!

I am new to all this, but have a question.  I realize the Pacemaker Cabooses were sheathed over in plywood (to hide the wood grain) and were actually longer in length but.... Would there be the possibility of running some in that paint scheme if there was enough interest?  It would be close enough for me.  I have been slowly acquiring Weaver Pacemaker Box Cars over the last year and need a matching caboose to complete the train .  I would buy 2 instead of just one, if that would help get it produced!

I seriously doubt you’ll get another paint scheme added to the mix at this point, but never say never, that’s up to Jr. Junction, …on that certain auction site, Trainz has a 30-8507 Pacemaker scheme caboose listed for what I consider small money, …my buddy Pete turned me on to it, but I’ve got several cabeese now,…the Railking cabeese are full scale, ( or oober close ) so no worries of them looking silly,….it’s painted in the Pacemaker scheme you’re looking for,……go snap it up!..

Pat

Back in 1999 (Volume 3) MTH catalogued a die cast caboose in the body style that is the same as these cabooses. Product number 30-8502 C&O. I assume they also offered it in NYC at some point. My friend collects the Railking diecast line that MTH once had. They are really cool trains and he has a nice collection of them.

That is exciting news to hear about the upgraded details on these cabooses.

Last edited by Hudson J1e

I am new to all this, but have a question.  I realize the Pacemaker Cabooses were sheathed over in plywood (to hide the wood grain) and were actually longer in length but.... Would there be the possibility of running some in that paint scheme if there was enough interest?  It would be close enough for me.  I have been slowly acquiring Weaver Pacemaker Box Cars over the last year and need a matching caboose to complete the train .  I would buy 2 instead of just one, if that would help get it produced!

Thanks for your question.  To expand on others that answered your question, the New York Central prototype Pacemaker Caboose was built on top of a boxcar frame, thus it was longer than the traditional wood side caboose.  I have only seen a few true-prototypical O scale cabooses made in brass, and they are not easy to find.  (I would like one myself!)  Others have pointed out that MTH, Lionel and others has made Pacemaker cabooses in several different variations.  Since they are so plentiful in the second-hand market, I will not be producing one with this run, but that doesn't mean maybe another dealer won't choose to produce it.  I do appreciate your interest in the Pacemaker caboose.  Here is a photograph of the last one that MTH produced in 2017.

Here is a link to the MTH Product page for this caboose:
https://www.mthtrains.com/20-91595

I hope you may consider one or more of the cabooses we are offering!

Thanks to all that have replied and provided information on what is available on the second hand market for Pacemaker Cabooses!  The brown woodside NYC caboose I currently have is a Lionel produced in 1986, Road #6907, there is no tag or stamping on the (orange) box indicating the item number.  It is one of only 2 Lionel items I own, so not familiar enough to know the item number.

I have been buying a lot of Weaver rolling stock, but the Pacemaker they made based on their NE caboose was just too far off the mark for me.  Same can be said for the MTH Bay Window Version.

Thanks to all that have replied and provided information on what is available on the second hand market for Pacemaker Cabooses!  The brown woodside NYC caboose I currently have is a Lionel produced in 1986, Road #6907, there is no tag or stamping on the (orange) box indicating the item number.  It is one of only 2 Lionel items I own, so not familiar enough to know the item number.

I have been buying a lot of Weaver rolling stock, but the Pacemaker they made based on their NE caboose was just too far off the mark for me.  Same can be said for the MTH Bay Window Version.

Only MTH has made close Pacemakers in plastic and diecast. 19000s in Pacemaker colors.

For exact, NJ International made a brass one and Malcom (aka brother Love) made custom ones in styrene.

Pete

Last edited by Norton

Thanks to all that have replied and provided information on what is available on the second hand market for Pacemaker Cabooses!  The brown woodside NYC caboose I currently have is a Lionel produced in 1986, Road #6907, there is no tag or stamping on the (orange) box indicating the item number.  It is one of only 2 Lionel items I own, so not familiar enough to know the item number.

I have been buying a lot of Weaver rolling stock, but the Pacemaker they made based on their NE caboose was just too far off the mark for me.  Same can be said for the MTH Bay Window Version.

Hi MainLine!

Back then, Lionel numbered their rolling stock as the SKU, so your caboose is 6-6907. Best news is that it is dimensionally correct.

Thanks!

- Mario

ps- thank you to everyone that has replied to to help make this happen!  I ran my Berk yesterday at the club and it sooooo needs a caboose!

Nope. Unless I print one of those nice 2-piece cams. 😈

Easiest swap I ever did, ….Sid was kind enough to surrender a sample of his 3D printed cam, ….I used an old soldering iron to melt off the whimpy 2 lobe, scuffed the axle good, and stuck the cam on there with 3M panel bonder,….voila!!…instant 4 chuffs with very minor adjustments to the switch lever…..whole job took less than 30 minutes!!….there’s no substitute for Pete’s solid bulletproof aluminum cams, but the two piece cams are very fast installs …..my 2770 L2a now sports 4 chuffs…also, between Pete, Lou, and me, we’ve developed a work around for that pesky not so smart semi smart smoke unit …..😁

Pat

I'm with Gary on Lionel most likely not offering any B&A freight. There have been a number of catalogs where they have made engines of certain road names, but didn't bother making cabooses for. Maybe a catalog or three down the road they got to making a caboose, but it was probably for the new engine cataloged that particular run. There are only a few occasions where they model freight to go with engines, and sometimes that is hit or miss as Gary stated once before I believe.

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

The price on the New York Central and Boston & Albany Caboose's will be $84.95.  I will be offering a small discount on the purchase of two, which will be two different road numbers per road name.  If we get enough demand to do the Rutland Railroad caboose, the price will be the same for them as well.

I’ll be in for two of the NYC’s …..can Mario be my spokesperson?…or do I need to call the store?…..😁…..wait, ….I remember Mario saying he was picking up my tab, ….so we’re good, …..right??.

Pat

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