It has been a long time since I have updated this thread. I have very exciting news, caboose SLSF 1291 is almost finished and we are working diligently to have her finished by the end of October because I have made a deal to send her to the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) Railroad to run on the excursion train there. I am finally adding the coonskins this weekend and then I need to paint the interior, it is ready, finish the wiring, and weld the smoke stack back on. Caboose SLSF 1288 will also be going to the A&M. I donated SLSF 1288 to the A&M historical organization. They intend to restore caboose SLSF 1288, keep it on display at Springdale and use it on the train from time to time. I am so exited because I always wanted to run these on the A&M and the opportunity presented itself!!
That is just outstanding works and news Paul. You have done the entire Frisco nation a huge service and should be very proud of your accomplishments on these projects.
Paul, There are no words that can express the work you have done to caboose SLSF 1291, it is beautiful. Now I have another excuse to ride to the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) tour train. Cynthia and I have always wanted to go but the timing has been off the last year or so. Thank you for posting this rebuild update and photographs Looking forward to next post. Joe
The coonskins have been applied and I am very happy with the result. This paint is fantastic to work with. It is PPG industrial urethane enamel and it really looks nice.
Tom, No, I will not be putting any clear coat on it The paint I used for the emblem is PPG 300 Urethane Enamel, it is really durable and the finish almost looks like a glossy porcelain sign. I suspect the clear coat would peel away before this urethane enamel does.
Caboose SLSF 1291 is at the finish line. Now she will be trucked to the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) at Springdale, AR and will be put into excursion service on a limited basis. I will pass on the details as they happen. Thank you for all the support and kind words over the last 9 years that this project has been happening. I am very excited!!
Paul, Like you, we are very excited to see the great work and dedication you have committed to this fantastic project. She looks great! Looking forward to hearing details on her excursion service and taking a ride. Hope this helps. Thanks! Mark
I have really enjoyed watching this project. Hope to see it on the rails when I visit the folks down home.
Caboose SLSF 1291 is in excellent mechanical condition and back on live rail with the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) at Springdale for the first time in more than 35 years. Check out the contrasting images, Alco C-425 A&M 68 passes caboose SLSF 1291 at Exeter, MO in 2003, and in 2023 locomotive A&M 68 is coupled to her. The Friends of the A&M Museum will be finishing out the interior of caboose SLSF 1291 and her first run back in service will take place late this summer. Friends of the A&M also has caboose SLSF 1288. It was donated to them, they plan to restore it and put it in service. Word is they want to paint caboose SLSF 1288 in the Mandarin orange and white scheme. Good times. It has been a fun 9 years, but it is finally becoming a reality.
This is wonderful! Would have put a "Wow!" on the posting of the two pictures, but the software limits us to "Like"!
Paul, Thank you for all your investment of finances, time and hard work to help preserve these cabooses! Looking forward to having the opportunity to have a great ride these cars on Frisco trackage on the old Central Division. Should be a real treat experience. Thank you again! Hope this helps. Thanks! Mark
That looks wonderful Paul! Maybe the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) will get a GP38 someday and paint it Frisco. Hey I can dream. But that caboose looks most spectacular rolling around on home rails. Ya done good!
Caboose SLSF 1291 made her debut run on the Arkansas and Missouri (A&M) Railroad on Saturday August 14, 2023. She ran 3 trips this day from Springdale to Johnson twice and the third run was Springdale to Fayetteville. The air and brake systems performed well and the ride was smooth with no bobbing side to side. I was on the caboose along with Caren Kraska the owner of the A&M, and my 13 year old son Jake. We had a lot of fun and the caboose is scheduled for more runs in October. It will move from Springdale all the way south to Van Buren. Saturday was an awesome day it was a lifelong dream come true. I have now traveled in the cupola of an original Frisco caboose and did it on original Frisco rails. By spring 2024 the caboose should be finished out and be available for riders that want to buy tickets and it is available for charter. If you go back and see page one of this thread and compare to this page it is quite a contrast!
