SR&CL Ry new Caboose takes shape

[tom c]

We are building an 8 wheel caboose to go with our 4 wheel one. The frame and underside is completed and flipped over for the first time.

Tom C.

[Mark D]

Tom, are those axels roller bearing, but have the journal covers for looks? Or are they really "friction" bearings?
I think it's going to look very much like the real old time thing.
Mark D.

[tom c]

Mark, we use roller bearings in all new equipment we build. We tried friction and thought it put to much drag on the engine it didn't need.

Tom C.

[Mark D]

What's with that wheel looking thing under the bridge? Is that remnants from the wreck of old no. 99?
Mark D.

[tom c]

Lawn mower scraped out.

Tom C.

[Fitz]

If that is a lawn mower wheel, what gauge is the caboose frame?

[tom c]

Fitz, 7.5 gauge, 3.75 scale. It is pattterned off the SR&RL Ry cabooses built by Portland LocoWorks for the Sandy River & Rangley Lakes.

Tom C.

[Mark D]

Tom, I have a 7.5 gauge Clyshay (or however it's spelled) that has nowhere to go. Would your railroad have any use for something like that?
Just wondering. Not trying to sell, but maybe loan of give.
Mark D.

[tom c]

Mark, Maybe, kind of small and it would need new wheels as we aren't IBLS compatable. Our switches are more to scale and so is our wheels or very near. Do you have a riding car that goes with it as there is no riding room on those things. Can you post a pic or 2?

Tom C.

[Mark D]

Tom, it has no car. I'll get some pictures and post them. Maybe in a P.M. Or maybe here so others can see too. I'll decide when I actually do it. It'll be a few days, at least, before I can do it. It was given to me by a man whose father built it. His father passed away and this person had no desire to keep it, but wanted to see it go to a "good home." I accepted it because at the time I thought it would be fun to set up some crude track and run it around. But I'll never get to it. I have too many other things going on. And besides, I can spend all the time I can afford working on the real, full size, 12" to the foot item. I haven't even been doing very much of that, lately. That MUST change!
It came complete with a bucket of coal and all the drawings. I don't know if it's ever turned a wheel under its own power. I believe it has had a fire in it, but not very much, probably just tested. Currently the pistons are stuck. They were when I got it, probably from lack of storage preparation. I plan to repair that problem. It has the cutest little whistle... I want to fire it up just to blow the whistle!
Mark D.

[tom c]

We slapped some paint on the trucks and underframe while we could flip it on it's side.

Tom C.

[Mark D]

It's coming along. I suppose once the framing is finished, the next step is to build up the car body?
Mark D.

[tom c]

Yes, this weekend we got the box attached to the frame and painted the interior. It will get a covering of 1/4 inch plywood with the grooves notched in it for the T&G look. Then we will cut out the window openings and put the windows frames, side doors, roof and cupola in and paint the outside.

Tom C.

[tom c]

Starting to look like a caboose now.

Tom C.

[tom c]

How about a wedge shot!

Tom C.