How To ... Build A Brass Caboose

[TrainCat2]

Well said Chris, but I must add the engineering that is involved. With the Micro-Mark kit out, anyone can etch brass. No secrets here. The difference that I see, IMHO, is the design to use layers of metal that have been etched to multiple levels. When placed together, the result can be like never seen before. Such as ...

[wm3798]

Um, is it me or are the step side frames backward?  It looks like the slots to hold the treads are outboard...

Lee

[sirenwerks]

Um, is it me or are the step side frames backward?  It looks like the slots to hold the treads are outboard...

I was thinking that too. But the thought that the model would have open slot stair treads had me in suspense and I didn't want to say anything.

[TrainCat2]

Ahhh, You found the artwork error I said existed. I did say at the beginning that I would not cover-up mistakes and this tutorial was concentrated as a "How To" instead of "Buy This". A$$hat points to both of you.

I already corrected the artwork and if (and it is so far) the only error, I am very happy considering the engineering involved in my first caboose.

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[wm3798]

I think the end handrails would look better if they were a single layer, too...  Just a thought...
Lee

[TrainCat2]

Hmmm,

They are actually two half layers. Anyone else ??

[sirenwerks]

I am curious how you're going to etch a smokestack.  ;D

Seriously, it's beautiful, and I'm up for two. Not to be a smarta$$, but I do have a few questions - Will it come with trucks and couplers? What's the option for body mounted couplers? What's the undercarriage detail look like (I noticed the slots in the framework for brakeline piping in one of the underside photos - nice - anything else)? Does it come with interior furnishings (a 1/2 tongue in cheek query)? Decals?

[tom mann]

I think the end handrails would look better if they were a single layer, too...  Just a thought...
Lee

Yes, but I see why Bob made it the way it is.  Maybe some creative filing and filling is in order.

[TrainCat2]

Bryan, you, a smart a$$. I would never think such a thing.   

I used two layers for the railings as a lamination is MUCH stronger and resists bending more that a single piece.

The caboose will not come with trucks or the required body-mounted Z-Scale couplers.

Here is the undercarriage MINUS the castings that are due to arrive in a few days (Reservoir, Actuator, Controller Valve, Air Hoses and .007 wire for the Plumbing).


No interior, but Tivo is going to install electrical pickups and a hard drive so the operating sessions can be played back or the current session can be paused to allow the operator to use the restroom without missing anything.

Decals is still a ?? at this moment in time.

Smokestack will either be a casting or BYO from material. Simple to do.


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[tom mann]

Bob is #1181 the HO version?

[TrainCat2]

Yes Tom, HO Challanger Brass with a going price of about $275.

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[sirenwerks]

Bryan, you, a smart a$$.

Nope. Never.  ;D

Thanks for the answers. My order still stands, but MT better release bulk packs of the Z scale couplers soon. Buying them in the small packs is getting mighty $$$.

[wcfn100]

Hi Bob, I love the caboose tutorial.


The only thing I see that could be improved are the corners of the etchings.  There are ways to compensate for the rounding that happens on the inside and outside corners.  I didn't know if you were planning on doing this for the production run.


Jason

[TrainCat2]

Bob-
If I insult you, will you show us a 1950's era Southern bay window???!!!!  ;D

Sure, Here ya go ...

Bob-
You're asking for constructive criticism, and the only thing I wonder about is low tracking weight.

Would it be difficult to stuff weight below the floor? Or does sandwiching that much brass get you there
without adding additional weight?

Phil,
I dont know how much the caboose will weigh yet. I do have quite a bit of metal in the floors & undercarriage. My plan is to finish the caboose, weigh it and determine the amount of ballast. I'll post the weight needed. The weight would have to be placed inside the caboose on the upper floor. Placing weight between the two floors would affect ride height and make it look like a Micro-Trains instead of a TrainCat caboose.   

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[sirenwerks]

...and make it look like a Micro-Trains instead of a TrainCat caboose.

I realize I'm about to date myself but... oooh, tight.