Former American Model Builders Kit

Encouraged by popular request following our LV Wood Transfer Caboose (Kit No. 874) released earlier this year, this cupola version is based on the same Lehigh Valley 25 foot caboose design as outlined in the September 1991 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman. Exhibiting a 25 foot inside length and rather short 15 foot 7 inch wheelbase, the eight wheeled, wood sheathed cabooses were from the LV’s 95100 – 95310 car series, as originally built between 1913 and 1926 by American Car & Foundry, Standard Steel Car Company, and at the LV car shops. Many of the series were modernized following World War II and continued to serve into the 1960s. Upgrades included cast steel trucks, new safety appliances, AB brake system, and the rebuilding of the end platforms with steel steps.

Kit No. 878 represents these later modified cars and features: 100% laser-cut components with custom laser-scribed Birch plywood side, end walls, and cupola; Tab & Slot carbody construction; Peel & Stick window, door, and trim assembly; laser-cut underframe, end platforms, ladders, end railing, window glazing, and brake wheels; cast resin platform steps; white metal smokejack; fully illustrated instructions that provide information on painting and decaling the assembled model; and several fixtures to aid the modeler in creating all the handholds and ladders appropriate for the prototype. We recommend the purchase of Kadee No.5 Couplers with Gear Boxes, Kadee No. 580 Bettendorf AAR Caboose Trucks or No. 500 Bettendorf 50-ton Freightcar Trucks (prototypes can be found using either), Microscale decal sheet No. 87-922, and paint and glue of your choice for the completion of this kit.

HO Scale 879 $46.98

Key words: Lehigh Valley LV Caboose Way Car