After an exhaustive internet search I've come up blank on an N-Scale SCL M5 steel caboose. I've found a few old links for "horribly oversized" models, but nothing for us "normal scale" folks. Anyone have any sources? Mike
Mike - Yep; no one has ever made one in N. Scratchbuilding or a bash will be the only way to get there in N. Back in the 80's, there was a 2 part RMC article (November and December '86) on building one.
Mike - I guess I should have said the articles are for an HO car! It shouldn't matter though; a bash is a bash! Good luck!
Chuck, Yeah, I assumed it was probably for HO..but that's ok I'm just happy that you found those articles! That should really help! Mike Edit: Just found and purchased the entire 1986 calendar year online for 10 bucks. As a bonus, along with the SCL/Fam. Lines M5 caboose plans, there's also a 1986 calendar with a nice L&N Family Lines SD40 print, and some Seaboard System SD40-2 info and photos! Woohoo! MC
Probably the hardest thing that you will encounter is finding the correct type of boxcar to rebuild for the project. The rectangular windows are like those found on the Atlas extended vision and standard cupola cabooses... the sealed windows, though like those used on some International cabooses will be harder to come by but if you can find a couple of the Walthers baywindow cabooses that would help out a lot. They were interesting cabooses, and quite a few were saved. To be exact one is still on use on the High Point Thomasville & Denton and there's talk of fixing her up and painting her... hopefully in a more traditional red scheme and not the Family Lines grey. Yep... I love those M5 cabooses!!!
Bob, I ran across a guy on the SCL Yahoo group that said he had scanned actual blueprints of an SCL M5 caboose, so I'm hoping to obtain a copy of his blueprint scan. Thanks to Chuck I also ordered a copy of an old Railroad Model Craftsman article that has some drawings as well. I'm really hoping to get a copy of the blueprints, that would be ideal. I'll let you know as soon as I get my hands on something! Mike
Nothing like resurrecting a 5 year old thread, but I just came across an N-Scale M-5 Caboose from a manufacturer on Shapeways. Looks pretty good! http://www.shapeways.com/product/E9...scale-1-160?li=shop-results&optionId=43835743 Mike
If I remember correctly, Traincat had announced that they would do this caboose (who knows, maybe as a result of this thread).... But I don't remember if it ever came to pass. Bob had some serious family issues (and I wih him well). I would love to buy a Traincat SCL caboose if one existed. CSX had a bunch.
Yeah, I know, right? hboy: But I guess the upshot is, by being patient (or a slacker), I won't have to do a total kitbash now! LOL! :teeth: Mike