Lionel CA-4 caboose conversion?

Geoff;

These cars make excellent 2 rail models.  I use NWSL 33 inch wheelsets (8287 - 4) which are a good fit.  Replace the smokestack with a Utah Pacific stack and use Kadees (my memory - it's been awhile - is that they attach directly).  The hardest part is removing the Lionel couplers.  The car sits maybe four scale inches too high but it didn't bother me sufficiently to go to the trouble that would be involved in lowering.

Allan

Jeoff,

Another good candidate are the MTH premier cabooses. Kadees attach directly to them and the Nortwest Shortlines makes perfect 33 inch wheels and axels for them. Get the smokestack Alan suggested and you are done.

       Thanks very much Allan and Ron. I think I'm going to take the plunge. Ron, I

   searched the MTH Premier caboose line and didn't see a UP style caboose. Do 

   they have a CA-4 or one of the variations of it? So far the only plastic UP type

   caboose I've found is the Lionel. 

                  Thanks again,

                     Geoff

MTH made the earlier CA-1 caboose. 

Rusty

The Lionel CA-3/CA-4 caboose is a very nice model as is the MTH CA-1.  They are among the best UP caboose models made.  The fact that both are widely available at less than $100 makes them real winners. 

The MTH caboose was designed for easy conversion and comes with Kadee mounting pads.  There are two pages of CA-1s on the MTH web site. If you see one you like click on the Find It button to see if any dealers report having it in stock.

http://www.mthtrains.com/searc...line%3A%22Premier%22

The Lionel CA-3/CA-4 model would probably be a little harder to convert but not too challenging.  They have a diecast floor/underframe which makes them heavy but would offer secure mounting for a kadee draft gear box.  Again, you have several versions to choose from.  The CA-3s are as delivered with the cupola running board.

http://www.lionel.com/Products...searchWithin=Current

The CA-1, CA-3 and CA-4 all used the same type of wooden beam truck in the 1940s and 50s.  I have done a side by side comparison and the MTH truck has a little nicer side frame detail than the Lionel version.

If you go with the MTH CA-1, MTH sell 2 rail trucks/wheels for them, making for a very easy conversion.

I don't know what era you model but if it is steam era look for the cars with four digit numbers.

Allan

Allan

          Thanks for the responses. Shooting for a 1960's to early 80's era look. I'm

   going with the steel CA-4 caboose, the Lionel number is 17691 IIRC. I may

   renumber it, but I wanted one without a safety slogan and just a UP shield on

   it. I've seen a few pictures of them like this. I'll have to add the shield myself.

   The best part is I found a new one on ebay for $75.00. All of the tips are greatly

   appreciated, I'm really looking forward to getting started.

                Geoff