Large Scale Central

Warped caboose roof?

Modeling
#1

I recently fixed up my LGB short caboose and added interior and marker lights. Now the problem I’m having is getting the roof to lie flat at the ends. The curve upwards just enough to allow a gap to show between the top of the end walls, and the underside of the roof. I’ve tried bending it back the other way but it won’t stay put.

Any suggestions?

Also, is there some trick to getting the roof off? It seems to take quite a bit of pulling a prying. I’d just glue it in place but I need to have access to the batteries for the lights.

#2

Ray,
if the #4065 type caboose with the centre cupola then bowing of the roof is common and difficult to fix. To remove insert a thin scredriver through the open endwall window and push against the sidewall. This will pop the roof moulding retainer out of the window moulding. If an end-cupola model then insert a thin screwdriver through an open doorway and similarly push against the sidewall to release the roof. I have ‘successfully’ glued thin pieces of styrene to the mount tabs on the roof moulding to provide more grip when the roof is installed.

 If the field railway 'toytrain' model caboose then I have no idea as I have never owned one.
#3

Mine’s the end-cupola, 8-wheel version w/interior. What I may end up doing is screwing it on, if I can figure out a way to hide the screws.

#4

Ray,

I’ve had success with placing plastic in the oven at 250 degrees for 5-10 minutes on a flat surface,middle shelf. Then lightly press down on the piece and hold a couple seconds as it cools. As stated before your milage may vary.

Dave

#5

Ray,
if considering the ‘oven treatment’ then one caution - LGB plastic, when heated, shrinks and distorts. Maybe hot water may be a better option. I have found though, that the plastic has a memory and will revert back to its bowed shape. On earlier models (#4065 series) I once was able to secure the roof via a small screw just above the end door through into a tab attached to the roof moulding.

   It is usually the centre-cupola version that distorts.  I have numerous end-cupola models and cannot recall any discernible bowing.  Perhaps the roof retention has been compromised.
#6

I might try that – then the screws would be hidden under the roofwalk.