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Scratchbuilt model of Henry Ford's caboose

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 24 posts
Scratchbuilt model of Henry Ford's caboose
Posted by DTI356 on Sunday, March 8, 2009 8:56 PM

Hey All,

Well, it's killed me to not post photos as I worked on this but I wanted to wait till I finished before I let you know what I was working on.

  I started this project during the Christmas holiday. I say it's totally finished with the exception of replacing the trucks with caboose trucks once USA Trains releases them (later this year). There is very little that isn't scratchbuilt on this.
 
It's been a fun and challenging project.
 
It's a model of a Steel Car Co. caboose that was built for DT&I in 1925 which was during the years Henry Ford owned the railroad. They had 40 of these cabooses (the most of one style ever on the railroad). I painted it in the paint scheme used between 1956 and 1971 when these cabooses were retired. The B&O had a similar model caboose.
 
   Many of these cabooses still survive today. Strasburg #12 was one of these former DT&I cabooses. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI has one on display inside the museum. Flat Rock, MI (home of the DT&I's biggest yard) has one on display in the park. And several private owners have them on thier property, including the real #89 which was restored completely recently.
 
Enjoy,

Brian Briggs

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 13, 2009 6:59 PM

I like it!

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Texas
  • 19 posts
Posted by J&S RR on Monday, June 1, 2009 1:58 PM

Very nice work Brian.  I wish I had half the talent that I've seen from most of the community. 

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • 1 posts
Posted by Scott McKittrick on Saturday, June 6, 2009 8:52 PM

 Wow. Excelent work. that looks great

 

Scott

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Snoqualmie Valley
  • 515 posts
Posted by S&G Rute of the Silver River on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:55 PM
There is an original one of these for sale online for 2500.00 +s&h.
"I'm as alive and awake as the dead without it" Patrick, Snoqualmie WA. Member of North West Railway Museum Caffinallics Anomus (Me)
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 24 posts
Posted by DTI356 on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:37 PM

Thanks Guys,

 I tried my darndest to make it the best I could. It is a real test of patience and required making several test pieces before I was happy with some items.

 S&G,

I did see the one that's for sale. I'd love to get it and restore it. That would be cool.

Brian

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