Narrow gauge caboose

[jerryl]

  Saw some interesting plans in finescale RR for a narrow gauge tool car/ caboose. The doorway scalled out to be just a little over 5'.  The picture of the finished car also showed a man standing inside the caboose & he was definitely taller than the height of the door. Is this common on small logging or industrial lines?   Thanks   Jerry

[kstrong]

I don't want to use the word "common," but perhaps "not necessarily unusual" would be a better fit, especially on industrial lines that most likely built all of the specialty cars themselves. I've got plans for early box cars and stock cars where they are too low inside for a person to stand upright. Granted, people were shorter 100 years ago, but not that much!

If the caboose is a typical "spit and polish" caboose, then the doors would likely be tall enough for a person to walk through. (Usually from 5' 6" to 6') If it looks a bit more rustic, then shorter is certainly plausible. Just make sure the car is stocked with headache powder.

Later,

K

[jerryl]

   This is by no means a 'spit & polish' car. It's about as rustic as you can get. I'm going to go along with the plans & maybe add a few inches to the door height.  Thanks.   Jerry