Is this a real SP&S Caboose?

[pray59]

I made a caboose that looks like this in N Scale, an NP 24' 1200 series caboose. I want to paint one to look like the SP&S caboose, but I do not know if it's a genuine SP&S, or if they just painted it like that.

http://topsites.com/caboose/images/big/Cab_Front.jpg


Also, if it's real, were there any other SP&S from NP 24' Cabooses?

Thanks, Robert

[Martyn Read]

I'll have a look in the colour guide tonight to see if that helps.

SP&S had caboose orders which were added to both GN and NP builds of cabeese, so it's quite possible. smile.gif

[BoxcabE50]

I don't believe it's an SP&S caboose. Could be. But I've doubts. SP&S did have some ex-NP cabooses in that number series. To my knowledge they were not originally built as 24 footers. Instead, they were rebuilt to that size. And were different in appearance such as windows, cupola, etc.

Wish I had a copy of that SP&S caboose book. Then we'd know for certain.

:D

Boxcab E50

[LadySunshine]

Here you go here is a shot of one:

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/sps/sps-c790ava.jpg

[Martyn Read]

Okay, here goes.

700-709 were SP&S's first cabeese, they were originally ex NP bobbers, then rebuilt to design very similar to the above in about 1910, based on the then-current NP design.

However:
703 was wrecked, and SP&S re-used the number for a home built caboose of a different design (centre cupola), so it sounds like it isn't the real SP&S 703.

There were other cabooses on the roster which looked similar as well, 729 (before it's rebuilding) and 775 look very close. The 729 I would say is the closest match in the book.

The bay window one that Lady Sunshine posted is a new build one for the SP&S added to an NP order, and they later bought some more from the NP. Those were pretty cool cabeese!

[BoxcabE50]

Martyn-

I located my Color Guide. Have now read the same info. I agree with your conclusions.

I will say that whoever created this apparently whimsical version, actually did a nice job. The lettering is not at all crude. Looks good.

SP&S was an interesting railway. I have a hard time keeping my focus narrow, and not get myself into buying stuff to model a few locos, etc. However, if someone ever does that N scale C636...... graemlins/097.gif

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

Aww. Too bad. I wanted to paint one up like that.

Here is what the add said about this caboose:

Technical Specifications
for the Antique Wooden Caboose
On January 9th, 1979, Burlington Northern sold (1) - retired caboose, RCR 113046. It was to be removed from tracks within thirty days and moved from Laurel, Montana to Rye, Washington and then eventually to it's current home in Battle Ground, Washington.

The car number is 10941. Although we are not sure the exact year it was built, the data sheet shows that car numbers 10929 through 10979 where built between 1913 and 1921.

Here are some measurements taken from the original paperwork.

Maximum width: 9'-1 1/2"
Maximum length: 31'-10 1/2"
Maximum height: 14'-11" to top cupola,
15'-2 1/2" to top stovepipe which can be temporarily removed for transportation
Weight: 40,300 lbs. approximately

[BoxcabE50]

Originally posted by pray59:
It was to be removed from tracks within thirty days and moved from Laurel, Montana to Rye, Washington and then eventually to it's current home in Battle Ground, Washington.
Wow. What a strange original destination. The only place named Rye in Washington that I know of, is on Boylston Hill along the old Milwaukee Road in eastern WA. There's nothing there.... Just a farm field, and some power lines crossing the mountains.

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

Some good news about this paintscheme on this bodystyle...

I had posted this question on other forums and an SP&S modeler, Dave Koch, said he has photos of caboose #730 that is this type of caboose, ex NP #1233. The paint scheme it was wearing is the one with lettering on the letterboard, but he also said it was in service until 1965, so it wore the scheme shown above too!

The caboose above as it turns out was an NP caboose, which the owner, who had worked for the SP&S, bought from the BN and refurbished inside and out, then painted it using original SP&S stencils for his favorite road. :D

[BoxcabE50]

Robert-

Could you possibly talk him into posting a view of that caboose? This has me curious!

In the SP&S Color Guide, it lists a series of three (#730-732.) Pictured is 732. It talks about a rebuild for that one. And a "GN" appearance. But makes no mention of the other two. 732 looks longer than 24 feet. And is very definitely different with many additional windows.

:D

Boxcab E50

[pray59]

I just got an email back from Dave saying he will send some pictures this week after he scans them. Also there is a new reply in the SP&S Yahoo group where several numbers are listed as being from NP 1200 series cabooses. :D

[BoxcabE50]

graemlins/097.gif Please let me know when he sends those!

:D

Boxcab E50