Bachmann - 16856 - Caboose, Cupola, Steel, NE - Painted/Unlettered

Model Information: As far as I can tell, Bachmann introduced this model in 2011 and they did a good job. This "NE Steel Caboose" model is modeled after a fairly common prototype design such as was typically found on many Northeastern Railroads during the post-war period. For example, the CGW's first order of NE-5 cabooses was in 1946.

This model is actually pretty nice piece of 3rd generation N Scale rolling stock. It is a bit on the simple side as far as detail parts, but the excellent complex paint schemes, metal wheels and body mount couplers all make up for this. It also has some nice heft to it when you pick it up. I have not attempted a coupler swap but as a caboose typically appears at the end of a train, it is not quite as critical to change these out as it might be with a typical freight car.

Prototype History: The Northeast or NE style caboose was introduced by the Reading Railroad in 1924. The design was an all-steel version of a USRA design. The acquisition of these new cabooses was prompted by proposed Pennsylvania legislation requiring larger, more structurally sound caboose for use in through freight consists. The original set of cabooses was ordered from AC&F, but other manufacturers also adopted similar designs.

The Reading selection was made after the consideration of several designs. The original purchase was for 10 cars in 1924, but the design was so effective that it became the de-facto Reading standard and they continued purchasing new cabooses of this type through 1948. The design soon became popular with other Northeastern railroads such as the WM, L&NE, LV, CNJ and others.

Road Name History: Some items are designed to have their owner add whatever company marking they choose, usually in the form of decals or dry-transfers. These items are painted in a generic prototypical fashion but with all company affiliation deliberately left off.

Brand/Importer Information: Bachmann Industries (Bachmann Brothers, Inc.) is a Bermuda registered Chinese owned company, globally headquartered in Hong Kong; specializing in model railroading.

Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the home of its North American headquarters, Bachmann is today part of the Kader group, who model products are made at a Chinese Government joint-venture plant in Dongguan, China. Bachmann's brand is the largest seller, in terms of volume, of model trains in the world. Bachmann primarily specializes in entry level train sets, and premium offerings in many scales. The Spectrum line is the high quality, model railroad product line, offered in N, HO, Large Scale, On30, and Williams O gauge all aimed for the hobbyist market. Bachmann is the producer of the famous railroad village product line known as "Plasticville." The turnover for Bachmann model trains for the year ended 31 December 2006 was approximately $46.87 million, a slight increase of 3.36% as compared to 2005.