Illuminating a Caboose

[Demay]

Hi all,

 This is my first post.  My son and I are in the planning stages of building a year-round O scale layout.  We have two trains: one PRR freight and one PRR passenger.  My parents bought me the passenger train when I was 15 in 1989.  I purchased the freight train for my son for Christmas 2008.  His caboose is not illuminated, but he would love for it to be.  I am a novice as far as building and working on models so I really need some help with this.  Is there an easy way to convert his caboose to an illuminated caboose.

 I appreciate the help.

 Joe

[rtraincollector]

a lot determines what caboose you have actually. one they look better with plastic windows in them and you may or may not be able to to get a lens to fit. second with the prices of some going on ebay it might be cheaper to ebay one that is lit. but you can goto www.traintender.com or email Jeff at [e-mail] or best call Jeff at 585-229-2050 jeff is very knowledgeable and helpful hes a real asset to the train community
 

[Demay]

It is a caboose similiar to the one in your photo.  It came with the Lionel PRR Freight Ready to Run set from 2008.  The number is 11118.  It has some sort of white plastic in the window openings now.  I presume it is to give the appearance of being illuminated.  You're right, there are plenty available on eBay and other places, but we are going to be limited to a 5' x 9' layout, so I do not want to have too many cars laying around.  Also, I think it would be fun for my and I to give this a try if it is not too difficult.  If it is too difficult or too costly, then I will probably find a PRR illuminated caboose online.

 Thanks again,

Joe

[rtraincollector]

Its actually pretty easy you need to get the pick-up mount from Jeff and a light bulb and socket if you have the caboose I'm thinking of underneath there is a spot a light socket and bulb can fit into to light up you caboose then all you have to do is run and solder the 2 wires to the piece Jeff will sell you that snaps onto your axles

By the way welcome to the forum theres lots of knowledge here just for the asking

[brianel027]

Joe, just be sure you give the specific number of your caboose when seeking the window insert. Lionel has made subtle changes to the SP style caboose over the years. For example the window insert for the postwar made caboose and the same exact style caboose made during the MPC years of Lionel are different parts, and they don't easily swap out from one to another without some cutting. The current production SP style caboose used in starter sets now has the chassis moldedas part of the body assembly. The cupola arrangement is also a little different, so the window insert for this new caboose is a totally different part.

It's possible you could spend nearly $10 to illuminate this caboose. You might do just as well to seek out a new one on eBay as you mention. Look for some used ones, and that is a far easier way to pick up parts for other caboose projects. This is what I do.... when I see junkers with usable parts I grab them. You'll pay far more for individual parts than by picking up a bunch of beaters. For example, I made myself a nifty unique transfer caboose by using a K-Line work caboose shell (from a junker) on a sheet metal postwar Lionel frame (from another junker) that I made some modifications to. I made my own window insert out of plastic from a gallon milk container.

I just picked up a Kickapoo caboose because I know the end railings are no longer available as parts. I've called around... no one has them. The end rails are great for kitbashing other cabooses... I've used them on the shorty K-Line bay window caboose. The end railings and metal wheel sets as parts would have cost me more than double the price of what I paid for the caboose.

Just a tip from a budget wary modeler. By the way, welcome to the hobby and the forum! Here's a link you should bookmark on your computer as it is a great website for a beginner:

www.thortrains.net

Also check your local library for the Lionel Greenburg Repair Manual. My library has one, and it's a very handy book for a do-it-yourselfer. Or get yourself one... you'll use it.

This is a great hobby to do with your son. I have a kid's style layout for my nephew and we've gotten real creative utilizing cheap kids toys onto the layout. I picked up a crane from a kid's construction set and mounted it on the layout, making a crank on the end face of the layout to raise and lower the hook, which has a magnet on it.

It took some junk train cars, and modified them to accept a motor with a small blade on it that I took from these kid's turbo launching toys that have propeller blades. Now the train car launches these up to the ceiling - a REAL kid pleaser. I took a conveyor belt assembly from a farm tractor set, and mounted it to a couple of trestles. A load is place on it, and then by turning the crank it is dropped into a waiting train car. These were all simple projects that cost a fraction of what some operating acessories cost and are fun for kids.

Good luck and ask questions... we'll try to help out.

[dwiemer]

Joe, First, welcome to the CTT forum.  With regard to your question, as Brian and RT have mentioned, you may find it more economical to get a junk caboose that you can take the parts from and light your caboose.  Regardless, one thing to add to what was said...make sure you allow for enough space between the light and the walls of your caboose.  Many a window insert, or side wall have been melted from lights too close to them.  If you are going to put in new  bulbs, you may want to go towards LEDs so heat will not be a problem.  One thing that kids love is to have hoppers, gondolas, and boxcars that the doors open so they can put stuff in them.  The flat Tupperware style plastic bins that can easily slide under a bed are very convenient for storing trains.

Good Luck,
Dennis

[Ole Timer]

 Demay ... if it's not a rare or collector's caboose or one you want to convert from childhood ... believe me you are far better off buying an illuminated one off Ebay . The final cost of parts and possible headaches are'nt worth it .    .... just my opinion .... been there = done that ...

[bfskinner]

Because it is at the end of the train, the caboose gets a lot of attention. Five quick comments in addition to those above:

1. Your caboose may benefit from two pickup rollers (or another method) to prevent flickering, which can be very annoying;

2. "Tracking" might be improved by  some added weight;

3. Consider using a yellow or red bulb  bulb to simulate coal/kerosene interior illumination. I tnnted some clear ones with "glass paint" that I got from a craft house, such as Michael's. Results looked pretty sharp. Kids liked it, anyway;

4. There are cabeese with smoke units. Short of that, a wisp of cotton can look pretty good.

5. I sometimes hang a tiny crewman on the rear platform. or on a grab iron/step.

[Demay]

All,

Thanks for the great welcome.  And many thanks for the information and tips you provided.  I'm very glad I joined this group and asked the question. 

I have been browsing eBay to see what I can find.  There are plenty out there to choose from.  I am still going to contact Jeff to see what he has available.  For some reason I believe it will be very rewarding for my son and I to do this project together.  The caboose is not rare or special in any way, so if we mess it up we will not be too upset.  I'm glad Dennis mentioned the LEDs; I was concerned heat may be a problem.  I also like the idea of using colored lights to create a different effect. 

Thanks again for all the help.  I look forward to being part of this group for a long time and to eventually post some photos of my own.

 Joe

[yellowducky]

Try to find a Train Show in your area. For a few bucks, they're usually well worth the drive.

There are 2 shows a year at the Coliseum Bingo Hall in Fort Wayne, IN, that I've been attending for the last 6 years. And I try to hit a show in Indy once a year.

[Demay]

I attended a train show in OK City this past December.  There was a lot there and since I am new to this I felt somewhat overwhelmed.  There is a show this March in Tulsa I plan to attend.  I hope to be more knowledgeable by then.