The prototype for our second N scale caboose kit is generally referred to as the Nickel Plate’s 1000 Series, which served the railroad for over 75 years. The first of these cars dates back to 1881 and, at 35 feet in length, were considered unusually large cabooses for the era when four-wheel “bobbers” were the norm. Built in NKP’s own car shops as well as by LaFayette Car Works, Michigan Peninsular Car Company, and American Car & Foundry, over two hundred 1000 series cars were added to the roster by the end of production in 1924. While various modifications did occur during this time, the most noticeable was the original group of cars’ arched cupola roofs while later production cabooses displayed peaked roofs. The N scale model exhibits the later peaked roof as well as the cut down needle beams and queen posts of the 1920s era steel center sill rebuild, which also included new steel steps and end ladders. Likewise, those cupola mounted marker lights that made the NKP’s wood caboose so distinctive looking have also been reproduced on our laser-cut kit.

Kit No. 551 features: 100% laser-cut components with custom laser-scribed Birch plywood side, end walls, and cupola; Tab & Slot carbody construction; Peel & Stick window, door, and trim assembly; laser-cut underframe, end platforms, ladders, end railing, marker lights, hand grabs, window glazing, truss rods, and brake wheels; cast resin platform steps and brake gear; plastic smokejack; and fully illustrated instructions that provide information on painting and decaling the assembled model.

We recommend the purchase of Micro-Trains No.1015-1 Universal Body Mount Couplers, Atlas No. 22061 Friction Bearing Caboose Trucks, and Microscale decal sheet No. 60-4243 for the completion of this kit. Paint suggestions: Floquil or Polly S Caboose Red, Reefer White (with a touch of Light Gray mixed in for slogan background), Freight Car Red (interior of end steps and platforms), and Engine Black. Glue suggestions: Elmers white or yellow glue and a thick Cyanoacrylate Adhesive ("Super Glue").