Description
CA-11 CABOOSE FEATURES:
- Better than brass detail™ including roadname and road number specific detail and laser-sharp painting and printing
- See-through end platforms and steps
- Wire-form grab irons
- Body-mounted McHenry® scale knuckle-spring couplers
- Separate wireform grab irons, etched metal coupler platforms
- Full underframe detail: air brake reservoir, control valve, and brake cylinder with plumbing and brake rod details
- Weighted for trouble-free operation
- Accurately painted and printed for prototypical realism
- Durable jewel case packaging
- Detailed interior including conductor’s desk, stove, sink, bathroom, radio stand, and more
- Etched metal window screens on door and some side windows
- Axle generator details
- Multiple road numbers
- Coupler lift bars, trainline hoses, brake hoses, and hardware
- Machined metal wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
- Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box
- Highly-detailed, injection-molded body
- Minimum radius: 9 ¾”” radius
UP As Delivered FEATURES:
- L-angle porch supports
- Straight steps
- Unshielded walkway lights
- Two window screens options included
UP Madera Flyer FEATURES:
- Roof-mounted Nathan K3 air horn
- Roof-Mounted brass bell
- Additional CA-11a prototype features
UP Modified FEATURES:
- Modified ‘boxed’ porch supports
- Additional door-side grab irons
- Lowered and extended steps
- Shielded walkway lights
- Side-mounted tack boards
- Two window screen options included
UP Snowbus FEATURES:
- Unique body style with enclosed end porches
- Features insulated,-non-opening windows
- MU pedestal and rubber Signal hoses unique to these cars
- Additional center-mounted porch light
- #25809 - Original straight steps
- #25872 - Modified steps
INPR FEATURES:
- Ex-UP
- CA-11a modified features
PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:
As more trains exceeded Plate C dimensions with taller and taller cars, the caboose cupola became ineffective for watching over a train. By borrowing another railroads caboose, Union Pacific found that bay-windows provided better train visibility, were safer, and more comfortable to ride in than a cupola. They placed an order for 100 cabooses with International Car Company for a new class of caboose being delivered in 1979. Large protected end porches, 70-ton National Swing Motion trucks, elevated toolboxes, oil-fired heat, and hydraulic coupler cushioning were some of the new features that made these crew favorites.
A single CA-12 prototype was created with comfort and safety improvements. However the order was cancelled as UP inherited recently-built Rock Island cabooses (CA-13). UP modified the CA-11 fleet with many of these features creating a sub-class of the CA-11. Additional unique modifications were made to these iconic cabooses as they were no longer needed for regular train service, several of which Athearn has created detailed versions.
