After the success I had in floor modification on the PENNSYLVANIA NDa brass caboose (see othe rthread), I decided to try and build a new floor for another "problem" caboose in the STRATTON AND GILLETTE fleet.
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This is the "standard" style caboose in my fleet, It is a model of a GM&O prototype. These were imported by both Sunset and Hallmark. The models from both companies are identical. I have collected eight of these so far, which is all I need, but I would like two more.
This caboose model has several problems. The worst is the crossmembers inside the body that hold the floor in place. this system is very poorly designed and prone to breaking off. All the solder joints on all eight of my models are very poorly executed, including the joints for the floor corossmembers. Also, the trucks tend to hit the steps on curves and cause intermittend shorts through the caboose body.
My solution to the last problem has been to use Tichy plastic trucks with plastic wheels. I have not had a solution for the first two problems.
I took one apart, and got to work. This one is still unpainted, and both floor crossmembers were broken out of it already when I purchased it.
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You can see all the poor solder work.
I built a new crossmember and floor support assembly from thick plastic strip.
Then I built a new floor piece from 0.040" styrene plastic sheet. The coupler box mounts were not part of the floor like they are on the NDa, so the floor was easy.
I test fitted a pair of trucks to e sure clearance was now acceptable.
I moved the truck bolsters towards the car center by only about 0.125" on each end, but it made clearance so much better.
I added details from a Tichy K Brake detail kit to the floor. All that was on the original floor was a brake cylinder, so this is a huge improvement for this model.
I did not add the brake rods because the links were so close to the trucks. I might add brake rods on future models.
The modified caboose looks much better, and will now be equipped with Kadee trucks and wheels with no fear of short circuits.
Success... now only seven (or maybe eight ot nine) more to go!
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Nicely done Kevin . Now off to the paint shop .
Joe
JoeinPANicely done Kevin . Now off to the paint shop
Thank you Joe. I hope to start painting these cabooses very soon. Plans are dependent on too many outside effects.