Kit #2 – Caboose Services (HO, Out of Production)
Caboose Services, HO scale, has 5 structures that were used along the caboose track in many yards across America: supply shed, coal bunker, fuel tank, ice house and flag/lantern stand. This quality craftsman kit will need some time and skill to complete. Product description and reviews listed below.
Click here for Kit #2 pictures or “how-to” videos.
NOTE: This limited production kit is sold out. Pictures and videos will remain on the website for reference.
Three of the structures from the Caboose Services kit are offered as QuicKits: Fuel Tank, Coal Bunker and Flag/Lantern Stand. Click on the QuicKit name to see that particular QuicKit, or use the Craftsman Kit links on the right.
Description
KIT #2 INFORMATION:
5 structures: supply shed with outhouse and lean-to, coal bunker, fuel tank on stand, ice house with loading dock, flag and lantern stand with walkway for caboose roof
HO scale
Laser cut walls for accuracy
Numerous details including: oil tank with spigot, barrels, storage shelf with supplies, ice blocks, oil can, hand lantern, nut/bolt castings, coal scoop, coal bucket, pallet, hinges, ladder, junk shelf, trash cans, precision doors/windows
Well-written and thorough instructions and templates; many pictures included in the instructions
Numerous website pictures and some instructional videos to assist in building the kit
Unparalleled customer support – I am a cottage business and you will receive a personal response
KIT #2 HISTORY:
Cabooses were used on every freight train for decades in the railroad industry. They were the crew’s “home” away from home. Many times a caboose was assigned to a specific conductor and he would decorate it for his own personal tastes. Often times, the train crew had one informal chef who could cook up a meal better than mom used to make. Beds in this rolling hotel were often used as the day grew long. When the crew did get back to the yard and the cabin car was spotted on the caboose track, the supplies and food used on the freight run needed to be refilled.
The caboose was also a working car, with flags and flares and other supplies to help move the train across the line safely. Kerosene was often used for lamps and marker lights. Coal was needed to keep the crummy warm. All of these supplies needed refilling at the end of the run. Again, the caboose track was the place to do that.
Various structures developed around this track to help the crew restock for the next road trip. Typically these buildings were small and narrow, to fit in the space between the yard tracks. Part of the yardmaster’s responsibility was to make sure they were well stocked. Gons filled with coal would load the coal bin using the “armstrong” method. Delivery trucks would stock food, ice, kerosene, flags, lanterns, bedding, and whatever else was needed to keep the hack well supplied. When the caboose was spotted on the track, the crew had ready access to materials and could quickly replenish their home.
Kit includes everything needed to build the structures shown, including detail castings (checkerboard not included). It does not include scenery, figures, vehicles, freight cars, glue, paint, trackwork and benchwork.
Note: The design and production of this product is the intellectual property of The TrainMaster, LLC. Any attempt to commercially copy and/or reproduce this product in any way will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of all applicable laws.
Ron –
I recently got your Kit #2 and have already built two structures within it. I am impressed . . . Again, very impressed with the kit . . . You have an excellent product with one of the best sets of instruction I have seen in more than 40 years in the hobby.
Jim (verified owner) –
Thanks Ron!
Bob (verified owner) –
Everything so far have been fun and challenging to build and the finished structures look great. The instructions and templates are awesome!
admin (verified owner) –
Thanks Bob! The templates really speed the building process up.
Ashley –
Well I have at last begun work on the caboose yard I bought from you.
First off I must say that the instructions are the finest I have ever encountered. What with the written instructions, web page pictures and explicit videos you can’t really go wrong.
admin (verified owner) –
Thanks Ashley! Glad the website is a good resource for you. Be and send in some pictures of your work. We will post them in the User-submitted section of our photos.
Patrick –
I look forward to building your kit and learning from your docs and videos.
Your responsiveness and level of service is very high grade!
Bob (verified owner) –
The kit arrived yesterday safe and sound. I have only looked briefly through the instructions but they seem to be incredibly detailed and complete. WOW!, these are the most amazing instructions for a kit that I have seen. Thank you for that as I need all the help I can get.
Ashley (verified owner) –
I really find this a fascinating kit. If I can get it looking anything like yours, I will be very happy. The weathering on the bunker is superb. I love the history you give with your kits. It adds to the aura of the whole diorama and I learned a lot about the caboose life. I look forward to receiving the kit.
admin (verified owner) –
Thanks Ashley!! Be sure and send in some pics when you have it built. We love to post user-submitted photos.
Georges –
Thank you so much for your prompt reply to my query.
I first of all want to congratulate you for the quality of your product all around and I’m looking forward to
give this kit my utmost effort and consideration.
admin (verified owner) –
Thanks Georges! Best to you on the kit building. Send some pics in when you’re done and we will post them on the site.
Hank –
Your flag/lantern building is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in a craftsman kit! Got a spot right in front on my ATSF yard. Thanks for the really detailed directions also. The pictures really help.
admin (verified owner) –
Thanks Hank. Be sure and check out the website for more pics and videos to help at key points of construction – Jim
Jeff (verified owner) –
I am new to this serious model building. I liked the detailed instructions in the videos . . . I have a spot right in front of the yard and engine terminal for the caboose track on my GN railroad. I expect that your building will stand out very nicely, assuming my modeling skills are anywhere as nice as what your video’s show. I am excited to get it and dive into the modeling.
Ted (verified owner) –
Notwithstanding my relative lack of skill, I am reasonably comfortable that between the lengthy and excellent instructions included with the kit and the videos available on your web site, I should be able to manage things if I proceed slowly enough.