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Logging Caboose

I've wanted a logging caboose for quite some time.  I have 3 other cabooses, but they're really for my regular freight trains.

I wanted something with a different look for logging.   Hartford Products makes a "Hobart Estates" model, but, Hartford has a few issues.  First, they're not cheap.  The kits are nice, but they're not as sturdy as some of my other stock.  But what's left?  I was trying not to spend any money and wondered if I could build something with what I had in the shop.

As I was looking around my shop, I took another look at an old low side gondola I had put together a few years ago from a Don Winter kit.  It's a short car and doesn't really fit in with with my current scheme of freight cars.

I wondered if it could be the base for a caboose.  

I did some quick sketches and cut some boards for framing.

I was originally planning to model a detailed interior, so I built up a realistic looking frame.  

I later decided that I would seldom see the interior; I’m much more interested in using the caboose in operations.

I stripped the sides from the gondola and then glued the frames in place.