Hey Tooter and HOexplorer........

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Old 97

Old 97

Hogger
How did you guys build the half sized, one truck caboose? :confused:
I find that I'm a fan of the "Tooter" philosophy and would like to try and build my own. Do you have any hints or tips??
 
Old 97, The first thing you need is a standard offset cupola caboose. I only deal in wooden cars so this old metal caboose was the perfect sacrifice. Then you need tools. Pictured below are the ones I used.

The large Exacto saw should be new, thus sharp. I made two cuts. First I cut the end off the caboose as close to the end as I could. I use the rivet lines as a guide. Then you cut near the cupola. A ruler is handy but I just eyeball these kind of things.

I filed and sanded the two pieces as square as I could and CA'd them together. After a couple of hours I filled in the gaps with the green putty and let it dry over night then scraped and sanded until smooth.

I added a 1/4 oz. weight and put some plastic in the window for 'glass'.

I didn't have the propper Bobber trucks so I used the one that was on the original caboose. Total time for this job was less than 60 minutes which includes painting and dry transfers. Drying times not counted.

If the caboose looks rough that is one purpose. The Pinnacle Creek Mining and Timber Co. machinists built this in the engine house using whatever means available to them in the outback in 1931. So it is not perfect on purpose. Hope this helps. Jim

IMG_3339.jpg
 
Thanks for the info and pic. How did you handle the bottom frame and couplers though? Just cut/shave the truck mount and CA the ends of the frame to it?
 


Old 97, Nothing really scientific. I cut the bottom right at the the screw/bolster hole housing. Then using a ruler I measured and cut the step end off and glued them together. I'd show you a picture but the picture would be proof I've forgotten to measure twice and cut once as I have a 1/16" in gap in the bottom.:eek: I just CA'd it onto the caboose and it's all good. Jim:)
 
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