Western Maryland caboose questions

[H Lee]

Two questions;

First one - On the round herald red WM cabooses that Loco-motives and LL have done, LL used a 4' dia. herald and Loco-motives used a 3' dia. herald, are both correct?

Second - when did the speed lettering scheme on the oxide red cabooses begin?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Bruce Bird]

From "Western Maryland Cabooses" by Dwight Jones:

The scheme was revised in the early 50's to incorporate a larger diameter emblem.  The original herald of 34 1/2" was replaced with the same style herald that measured 42".  The revision became effective on Feb. 25, 1952 but was short-lived as the Speed Lettering scheme was adopted just 17 months later.  At least 11 cars were repainted with the larger emblem (out of 106 cars).

So yes, both are correct.

Bruce

[H Lee]

From "Western Maryland Cabooses" by Dwight Jones:

The scheme was revised in the early 50's to incorporate a larger diameter emblem.  The original herald of 34 1/2" was replaced with the same style herald that measured 42".  The revision became effective on Feb. 25, 1952 but was short-lived as the Speed Lettering scheme was adopted just 17 months later.  At least 11 cars were repainted with the larger emblem (out of 106 cars).

So yes, both are correct.

Bruce

Thanks! I appreciate the answer - looks like all three schemes would be correct for the mid 1950's.

[DaveB]

I think there were at least two versions of the speed lettering caboose scheme.  The first version had a black roof and dark brownish red paint on the sides.  The second version came a little later and was boxcar red all over, including the roof.

[Mark5]

Some info here, interesting about the speed scheme, I guess the site needs a little help there:

http://www.alphabetroute.com/wm/protopaint.php