I have one in Z scale which is 3D printed! It looks proto type but I didn't have all the correct measurement to make it so it might be a bit taller but it's the PRR N5C caboose. Train Phone Version. 1953 It a one piece model already together. you would still have to get trucks I use MTL rolling bearing trucks they come with pins. you would still need to drill out the pilot hole already there! https://www.shapeways.com/product/D9H3CPQAG/prr-class-n5c-caboose-z-scale
I heard a rumor that Rob Ray was going to get back into the kit business. I hope it’s true. He made some great caboose kits.
Thank you for the info. Unfortunately... the NE 5s are used by eastern railroads. I will need to look on Shapeways in case there are other versions available, however, I prefer ready to run models. Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
Yep... Rob Ray's NP caboose was the wood kit I was thinking about. Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
Overall I think this same caboose commentary comes up about every two years for the last fifteen years. Deja vu all over again.
Surprised only every two years. This is a serious rolling stock gap in Z scale that needs to be fixed sooner than later for the proper recognition the scale deserves. I really believe these gaps in rolling stock stunts the growth of the scale. The members of this forum should contact MTL leadership and request more diverse and reasonably priced alternatives in order to move Z scale from a 'niche' scale to a truly viable alternative to other scales. This is in no way intended to denigrate the efforts of AZL, Full Throttle or other manufacturers of Z scale... however... in-so-far as the cost for the cabooses currently available... they are limited and somewhat expensive in comparison to other rolling stock. Lower priced caboose alternatives are needed to compete and stablize pricing. This is a plea for some sanity to help promote this scale and bring it out of the shadows of HO & N scales. This statement coming from an avid N scaler for the past 36 years. Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
MTL didn´t come up with a new bodystyle in years. And even uf they produce something new, I doubt it wll be a caboose. Grretings Mattias
I don't have a real dog in the hunt since I model modern, but I'll throw it out there that the recent announcement of the RS3/RSD5 by AZL *might* spawn some new product development along the lines of what you are talking about. I figure that locomotive will be a boon to the transition-era modelers or those in other scales that were "on the fence" to create a bigger market for that era of model railroading in Z. MTL has indeed been pretty quiet of late, but perhaps this will get them back in the game a little. Along with Atlas releasing new track, it would be hard to argue that Z is "trending up" at this point. And sometimes that is what is needed to push a project off the drawing board. I have no inside info, just presenting a case for some eventual positive news that might come down the pike. In the mean time, hedge your bets. Build one of the Marklin projects, grab one off Shapeways, and maybe cut one from scratch using a Silhouette cutter. Dunno, just throwing out ideas. I certainly understand not wanting to undertake too many of those types of projects, but versus 3 or 4 or those $80 Marklin conversions you might find a way to build a handful of western RR specific cabooses for a little less money. And you can bet you'll get them finished RIGHT before MTL announces their new western RR cabooses.
My sentiments tend to concur. Some day the 'light bulb' will come on at Micro-trains braintrust and they will create several versions similar to their N scale releases. Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
I made a few East Coast cabooses in N and Z. The N drawings shrink to Z easily enough. Just gotta get my workshop setup.
You do extraordinary work!! I remember a 24' NP caboose you did a while back... terrific! Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
Do you have any Photo's of what your looking for! not making any promises but could be 3D printer in just the shell to which out one of the MTL shells or marklin. I have few of the Marklin and some MTL Cabooses. photo of B&O #3050 Era 1967-1970 northeast built in1967 by Raceland car shops! not 3D
Western railroads used offset cupola style cabooses similar to the 'one' that Marklin offers. There are several possible versions including wood and steel varieties. There are some modern versions offered by American Z-line... but I would rather have ones that served between 1920 and 1970. It seems incomprehensible that Z scale does not cover that period of time. It is apparent that Z scale has focused on post 1970 motive power and more rolling stock seems to be coming for the modern era than the steam to diesel transition. Amercan Z-line has begun to fill in the void of transition era with GP and F units... but no caboose to trail the western freight units. Micro-trains has not rerun any F or GP units recently. They should have at least addressed the lack of cabooses, it could only help to move their transition era rolling stock. Z scale needs to close the obvious holes in the rolling stock (don't get me started on better tank cars)!!! Sent from my SM-J737T using Tapatalk
Just did this! not sure if it's worth it has no hand rails or ladders two Piece haven't printed it yet! https://www.shapeways.com/product/UMYUKH4A9/caboose-1967-1970-z-scale
