Today Intermountain announced a new model for them in the Santa Fe Caboose.They are claiming this is new tooling although it is listed as Centralia Car Shops car. They are offering an undecorated version with many additional detail parts to model various different versions. The stock # for the undecorated version is CCS1199 and will sell for $29.95.The decorated versions sell for $49.95. Here is a link to the site: http://www.ircmodelersclub.com/hoscale.htm Also take notice that they are making a closed side version of the 1958 PS covered hopper like the open side one announced earlier.This leads to two questions: (1) How easy would it be to model a Frisco version of this caboose? I know Meteor910's head is already spinning! (2) Is there a prototype for the closed side hopper? Bob Hoover FriscoFriend
Bob - Regarding the new IRC ATSF caboose model, yes I think it likely would be a good starting point for the Frisco version after they purchased them from the Santa Fe. It will very likely be a better model than the Athearn, so it should make up into a better Frisco model. Several changes need to be made, including blanking windows and removal of the tool box. I've never done that model, but there was an excellent article in one of Doug's FMIG Newsletters (posted on this site) that describes how to do it using the Athearn model. That article would likely also be a good guide on how to do the same to the IRC. I have several Frisco cabs, but all of them, except for three Overland brass examples and Rick's wood 3-window kit, are not true to the SLSF prototype. Ken
Walthers came very close with their 3-window, even spaced, offset cupola wood caboose. I've got two of them. The interior is detailed. It carried road number 12. I think I renumbered on of them 1122. I also have five of the AMB woodies plus one Hallmark 1127 side-door brass caboose. Also have several varieties (Atlas, Athearn, & AHM) of ICC Extended Vision 1200-series, but the side cupola window arrangements are wrong. Now, I just need a layout.
