At last year's Springfield, MA Big E show I picked up a Bowser N5 caboose in the B&M blue scheme, the numbering on it is c23. Last week I picked up the new HO Athearn Eastern 2 window caboose, also painted for the B&M, and it happens to have the same road number as the Bowser model. Both are decent models, although the Athearn is much heavier so tracks much better.
The question I have, which is wrong? The Bowser is smaller but both have the same road number.
Modeling the fictional B&M Dowe, NH branch in the early 50's.
Actully the Bowser B&M caboose is a PRR class N5..
Why not start with a Atlas Trainman Magor caboose?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Meyblc wrote:The new Intermountain B&M buggies look really nice, but they will hit the street with a price of around $50.00 each. I'll get 2 or 3, but that seems a litttle pricey for a buggy....
Not too long ago I picked up an Intermountain Santa Fe caboose for around the same price. Their cabooses are a bit pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
Actually the Bowser N-5 is closer to the C-20 series of cabooses than the Athearn Caboose. I happened to find an article in the Aug-Sep 1995 Mainline Modeler regarding this caboose. The B&M caboose is very close to the Bowser PRR N-5, the major differences are the lack of collision posts, loop top ladders and handrails on the B&M Caboose. This article covered all the changes in PRR N-5 to convert to a B&M Caboose.
Usually the only way to get a good prototype caboose is to get a brass one as each railroad ordered specific options and designs for their railroad. Lately some cabooses have been made in plastic or resin that are good prototypes for that railroad. The old Athearn Cabooses were for ATSF and SP prototypes and the MDC's were a generic caboose. The Athearn Wide Vision fit some roads but was too short for others, this was rectified with the Atlas Wide Vision.
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!