I'm wanting to prototype/model this caboose. The number happens to correspond to an SP caboose with the same number that has lots of sentimental qualities to it. Does Athearns wide vision model even come close to the real deal? Thanks
It is my understanding that the Athearn Wide Vision caboose is close but you will have to move the cupola windows out as they are too close in for the Frisco.
Paul - My guess is that it's a good kitbashing starting point. Our very own friscomike wrote an article in 1983 in the old FMIG newsletters on modelling a 1200-Series job: Newsletter #36, from March 1983: http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?2117-FMIG-Newsletters&p=14618#post14618 This issue is a good one for any fan of Frisco cabeese. Lots of pictures of various kinds, along with FMIG Founder Doug Hughes' article on modeling the "Four Aces" (not the GN Timken variety). Best Regards,
Another option would be to try and find one of the undecorated Overland Brass models that were imported years ago. If my memory serves me correctly, there were two runs. The first one had solid brass roofwalks and was overall an accurate and presentable. The second run was far superior in my opinion and had etched brass roofwalks and end platforms besides other details the first run didn't. The main thing about these was that both runs had the correct window spacing on the cupola. Start with Ebay and then check major brass dealers like The Caboose, Caboose Hobbies, etc. Hope this helps!
Paul - FYI, I just set a HO Overland Frisco cab (SLSF 1244) and a HO Atlas Frisco cab (SLSF 257/1257) side by side on a shelf and took a very quick pic to show the difference in the models. I apologize for not setting the same sides of the two cabs out to the picture - stupidly I set them so each shows an opposite side. Oh well! The window pattern is different on each side. The Atlas is very similar to the Athearn, only with a little finer detail in my opinion. AHM, and perhaps Bachmann, also has done these cabs. The Overland brass model is the only one that is correct for the Frisco. To the point - notice the difference in the cupolas on the two models. The Overland is correct for the Frisco 200/1200 series cabs (they were renumbered) - notice the much wider cupola window spacing, and notice also that the cupola is correctly taller on the Overland. The difference is clearly noticed on the models, so I would recommend you wait for the chance to get an Overland. They still can be found in hobby shops, and I'd guess I see one every three/four months on eBay. The closer window spacing, and shorter cupola, as are on the Atlas and Athearn models, is correct for the majority of ICC wide-vision cabooses sold to the railroads. For some reason, the Frisco, plus a few other roads, specified the wider window spacing, plus the SLSF wanted the cupola to be a bit higher. (ICC = International Car Company, the firm that made these cabooses). There was a real good series on the entire Frisco caboose fleet, including these ICC's, done by Diesel Era magazine, in the Jan/Feb 2003 and May/June 2003 issues. These provide considerable background on the Frisco ICC's. Diesel Era issues are often found on eBay as well - I filled out my collection by obtaining the few issues I needed to make a complete set via eBay a few years ago. If you are a diesel geek, like me, Diesel Era is a terrific magazine, plus, like they did with the Frisco cabs, they sometimes touch on other railroad equiment topics as well. Ken PS - Also note the caboose truck differences. The truck under the Overland model is correct for your desired SLSF 1258.
Ken - there is a world of differences in the two models: roof, rivets,end ladders,grab irons,smokestack - just to name a few. Is the Overland correct on these as well?
Sherrel - I've not counted rivets, but I've never heard much complaining about the Overland Frisco ICC. I wish its ladders were as fine as those on the Atlas, however. The big advantage of the Overland is the correct cupola and the correct trucks, plus it is the proper length and heft. It has many details the others do not - i.e., guy wires on the stack, belt generator, antenna, reflectors, marker lamps, etc. I think I added the red gyralights, I'm not sure they came with it or not. I've had this one for quite a while. BTW, I think this one is from the first Overland run. Disadvantages of the Overland is that it is heavy, it costs more, and is not an easy roller. But, it's pure Frisco! Ken
Those fortunate enough to have the Summer 2011 TRRA Society's Cabooses on the Terminal Railroad can go to page 46 and see prototype photos comparing the two International designs. Missouri Pacific on the bottom of the page with the closely-spaced cupola windows and Frisco on the top (of course!) with the wider cupola window spacing. There are some other window style differences visible, but I am not sure whether that has to do with the side being photographed. The MKT car on the next page shows the same window arrangement as the MP car, so Frisco certainly asked for something unique. George "sorry about the shameless plug for the 'other' organization" Nelson
The Frisco International Car Co. cabooses were actually the first fully welded ICC design caboose. At the time they were designed and built it was the norm to have four fixed seats up in the cupola, one in each corner, therefore the wide spacing in the windows. So really not that unique at the time. It wasn't too much later that ICC changed their design and went to the pull-over centrally located seats and therefore the central windows. Since the Frisco ordered most of their cupolas that way, the following 2 smaller orders received the same cupola window arrangement and the ICC was very accomodating these requests from all their customers. Regards, Nick Molo
