Build Journal: New Haven NE-3 in N Scale

[N Scale Train Boy]

Well, I've gone and started another project for myself!
As stated in a couple of other posts, I wanted an N scale NE-3 caboose to hold down the tail end of a New Haven Mail and Express train I'm beginning to piece together, and decided I'd use the opportunity as a chance to try scratchbuilding a piece of rolling stock for the first time. So, last night I scaled the plans I had (found on http://alphabetroute.com/nynhh/) down to N scale, printed several copies out, glued elevations of the walls and the floor plan to some 1/2mm styrene, and cut out the walls!




I'm going to try to stay on top of continuing progress on this, as I'm shooting to try to have it done in time for the NER NMRA convention in mid-October, so I should have relatively frequent updates, but only time will tell!

[bbussey]

Neat!

[chessie system fan]

Super.  For the uninitiated (like me), how close is this caboose to PRR designs? Would a Bowser cab be a close starting point?

[N Scale Train Boy]

@chessie system fan The NE-3 would be somewhat of a project to get from the Bowser caboose, but the NE-2 should be fairly easy. The New Haven NE-2 (from what I understand, haven't looked closely at the Pennsy plans) is a clone of the N5 (what the Bowser caboose is based on) with some minor variations to the end cages, roof height, and weight, so it should be a fairly minor modification to get to an NE-2. The NE-3 is a lengthened version of the NE-2, so it would require a much more extensive modification to add that length. This thread on the NHRHTA Forums has a good run down of some of the differences between the three caboose classes - https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/thenhrhtanewhavenrailroadforum/ne-2-paint-scheme-t7871.html

[chessie system fan]

Makes sense. Carry on. 🫡

[N Scale Train Boy]

I made some slight progress on the caboose this weekend, getting the side walls attached to the base and cleaning up the roof line so the side and end walls meet up once I get those attached. I'm going to mock up some basic interiors and try a couple of methods of building/attaching the roof, to see if I can make it removable easily without compromising the car as a whole. If I cant, I'll probably leave the interior fairly basic.
Should be able to make more progress this week!

[N Scale Train Boy]

Did a fairly quick test representation of one of the central cabinet/cupola seat segments for the interior of the caboose that I'm fairly happy with dimensionally, so I plan on building a pair with the same dimensions but with more precision. Still no progress on the roof yet, trying to figure out the best way to have it removable. Happy to hear any suggestions!

[N Scale Train Boy]

Decent progress this week - got the cabinet walls and interior bulkheads constructed and temporarily glued in place for a fit check. Looks like I'll need to redo one of the bulkheads as it is pulling away from the wall...




I also temporarily added the end walls to the caboose to get an idea of how it will look, and I'm getting excited at how its starting to come together!





Next steps are to finish some interior details (bunks, sink, table, etc.) and then start working on the roof. Once the interior details are completed I will probably get it painted and finalize its installation so I can also get the windows going. Having a lot of fun here!!

[chessie system fan]

I look forward to seeing how you build the roof.  I predict that because the roof is curved it will flair outwards at each end if nothing is done to account for that.

[N Scale Train Boy]

I'd be happy to hear any suggestions you have to prevent that Aaron, my rough plan was to build 4-6 cross spurs with the correct profile to hold the shape of the roof within the body, and possibly a stiff wire or something to hold the ends? I was going to try a few different techniques, and see what works, but I'm going into this without any real experience, so advice is openly accepted, LOL!

[N Scale Train Boy]

On a separate note... The interior is nearly complete and ready for paint! Last night I built the bunks, desk, coal bunker, and table, leaving just the stove, wash basin, and possibly wall mounted lamps, which will all probably be 3d printed, and the cushions and railings for the cupola. I am extremely excited to see the interior getting filled out, and I can't wait to get it to a point of "completion!"