After looking at the available proto typical cabooses for Union Pacific on the market the only thing I could find was the CA-1 caboose manufactured by Accucraft. The only problem with this one is its 1/32 scale, costs $395.00, and I model in 1/29 scale. So I decided to scratch build my own CA-1 class caboose in 1/29 scale. Mind you; this will be a close replica but not a perfectly scaled model. I live by the 10’ rule.
With the help of fellow LSC members Matt Kerr and John Bouck I was directed to a couple of sites where I obtained a set of drawings and a complete breakdown of information on all the CA-1 cabooses that Union Pacific’s made with numbering sequence and color. I also found a builders original photo for reference.
I started by copying the drawings to my “Scale Print” program and printed out a 1/29 scale drawing that I could use for reference.
Then I found a few items that I could use for the body of the caboose and the underbody frame with steps. I purchase several of these items years ago on E-bay and just recently found them again. The body is a Delton Reefer and the frame is from Kalamazoo but I don’t know what type of car. The funny thing about these two items is that they are the perfect width and height for 1/29 scale rolling stock; you just have to cut and paste pieces together for the proper length of what ever you want to make.
In this picture you will see that I cut the frame to get the proper distance between the edge of the steps and the truck bolster. This will allow me to use proper caboose trucks or the smaller passenger trucks that these cabooses actually traveled on.
The next pictures shows the body cut down to its proper size with clear acrylic plastic pieces added to both ends for support and the side door openings filled in. Then you will see the cut down body next to an original body. And finally the cut down body with the styrene siding temporarily attached with spring clamps.
That’s the progress so far. Enjoy!!
More to come!!!
