Long Island Rail Road "Caboose" Class N52A
Built by Herb Schmidt

Photos by the Author


I wanted to build something "different" and found this model of a Caboose in a card model catalog. Apparently it is an independently made kit, containing all materials (wire, clear plastic for windows, plastic rods, toothpicks, heavy cardboard etc.) to complete the example. The instructions are excellent, and walk the modeler through the assembly process in sixty-nine detailed steps. Along the way diagrams are inserted for clarity. Of interest, there are many interesting and innovative assembly procedures called for, and they really get the job done.

The model is exactly "O" gauge scale and will fit on standard track. If desired, purchased metal trucks can be used instead of the card ones so the Caboose can be run on an "O" gauge layout.

This model has a complete interior including bunks, stove, sink, desk, and cabinets. A nice historical narrative is also provided of the prototype. I recommend this kit for anyone wanting to build something out of the main stream. You will be happy with it, I'm certain.





Editors note:

Lou Dausse of PMI tells us that the model is available in two different liveries, the Pennsylvania Rail Road and the Long Island Railroad. Lou also told us that the model now comes with wood window frames. The designer is Bob Kaelin who has also designed a number of other models for PMI, mostly aircraft. The model is only available from PMI at www.papermodels.net.