Here are pictures of a Hallmark model I have. I believe it may have come painted. Can anyone verify that?
Keith, Hallmark only sold unpainted cabooses. This one has been painted by an owner. I have one of these plus five standard versions and love them. I saw and photographed a side door caboose on the northbound local freight at Cape Girardeau about 1969, so it's appropriate for your layout. I think you scanned and posted my photo of that caboose in a Cape Girardeau thread here. Ken McElreath
I have one in a box somewhere. I believe it may be a Tenshodo? model with a side door. If I remember, it seems to be brass and "silvery colored" metal? Never got around to painting it, nor adding couplers, decent trucks, etc. Doubt if I will ever get around to it - -
The Hallmark model not only came unpainted, it came without trucks also. I had one once, but eventually sold it during a time that I thought I would never get around to finishing it out. I, too, wish I still had it, but hope whoever bought it has given it an operational home. You have a great "keeper."
I have one of the undec Hallmarks I bought on eBay years ago, with trucks, though I would likely replace them. It's on my list to some day paint and decorate it, or eventually sell it. I'm finding it difficult down here to get much hobby work done with all my other activities. This condo board is taking up a lot of my time and is not fun much of the time. 178 units, 178 opinions and wants! I'm also trying to finish reading all the David McCullough books - my favorite author. I've read nine of his twelve books. I'm getting a case of the shakes when I'm trying to do precise work. Both my personal care docs, the former one in StL as well as my guy here in Naples, have said it is nothing serious, just a case of "old wires". I'm 76 - where can I get re-wired? K
I like any caboose with an aftermarket side door. The AMB MP LCL and the NC&StL are high on the list. Rock Island had a single sheath boxcar with end platforms added and a kit was available at one point. The MP had branchline passenger service in my hometown till 1935 and I cannot find any photos or information other than a timetable, but that is a non Frisco discussion for somewhere else.
When compared to the diagram, the model is 5' too short, and as noted in the Hallmark, three-window caboose thread (http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/hallmark-brass-standard-frisco-caboose.12416/) , the steps are "droopy". Originally sold unpainted, and without trucks for $14.95. I bought mine for $35, and installed an interior and glazing. If one looks closely, one can see the baggageman peering through the baggage door on my car. http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/my-1970-wish-book.1566/#post-9024
Keith, I would say that the Red on yours is too bright. Most of the photos and units would appear more like the color of Karl's. Tony LaLumia
Forgive me for not knowing anything. My already painted Hallmark caboose came without yellow ladders and handrails. But most of the cars I’ve seen here have yellow ladders and handrails . What is the story with that? Did they begin in a particular year? Were they only on certain divisions ?
I think the Frisco started painting the safety appliances yellow around 1947, about the same time when the railroad came out of receivership. Rich
Grab irons were black before the yellow livery http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index.php?threads/another-question-about-color.2772/#post-17310
