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Walthers Caboose

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Walthers Caboose
Posted by cowman on Monday, November 4, 2019 7:31 PM

Some time ago I asked for help finding the article on modifying a Walthers 30' Wood Caboose (3 Window Offset cupola) to run on 18"r track.  Thank you to all of you that responded.  I have the information, but still haven't found an around-to-it.

Since I am planning a new layout, I'm thinking of eliminating the problem by having larger radius curves.  Now I have two questions for those of you that have run them.

First, will they go through #4 turnouts?

Second, what is the minimum radius you would recommend?

Thank you for your time.

Have fun,

Richard

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Monday, November 4, 2019 7:55 PM

I can't answer your question regarding #4 turnouts. since my tightest turnouts are #6, but, I can tell you that even with 24" radius curves, some trimming of the inside corners of the steps still require trimming.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Southern Quebec, Canada
  • 868 posts
Posted by Guy Papillon on Monday, November 4, 2019 8:18 PM

Here is a post about that problem.  Doctorway solution is the way to go and it’s not so difficult as it appears.

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/254769.aspx

 

Guy

Modeling CNR in the 50's

Moderator
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
  • 17,249 posts
Posted by tstage on Monday, November 4, 2019 8:21 PM

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 9:42 PM

Thank you for the responses.  It looks like I may have to get the razor saw out yet.

Have fun,

Richard

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Thursday, November 7, 2019 12:50 PM

The old MDC three-window / offset cupola wood cabooses (in recent years sold by Athearn) may be a better choice for a layout with sharp curves / turnouts. I have a couple, and have run them thru no.4 turnouts and 22"R curves on my layout with no problems. Haven't tested 18"R, but pretty sure that's what they're designed for - would probably do 15"R if necessary.

Stix
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Central Vermont
  • 4,565 posts
Posted by cowman on Thursday, November 7, 2019 5:07 PM

Stix,

I think you are right, I have several, they do fine.  However I was already given a custom painted Walthers caboose so that option is past.

Thank you,

Richard

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