B&T Model - Cupola Caboose - Caboose, Cupola, Wood - Painted/Unlettered

Specific Item Information: This car is equipped with MTL couplers and trucks. Less expensive versions exist with no trucks/couplers or with Accumate trucks/couplers. An unpainted version is also available.

Model Information: B&T rolling stock models are created using 3D printing. They offer unpainted and pre-painted (unlettered) models.

Prototype History: The origins of the railroad caboose appear to date back to the 1840s when Nat Williams, a conductor of the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad (a later affiliate of the New York Central) became fed up with cramped and uncomfortable quarters to do paperwork (a common job of the conductor, whose responsibility is general oversight and control of a train, passenger or freight), which was usually done in either a free space of a passenger car or combine/baggage car. To fix this problem, Williams found an unused boxcar and using a simple box and barrel, as a seat and desk, set up shop in the car to do his duties. Not only did he find out he had plenty of room to work but also figured that he could use the unused space to store tools (flags, lanterns, spare parts, etc.) and other essentials to have on board whenever needed (such things become commonly stored on the caboose).

Perhaps the most striking feature ever applied to the railroad caboose was its cupola. According to the story, conductor T.B. Watson of the Chicago & North Western in the 1860s reportedly used a hole in a boxcar’s roof (which he was using as a caboose) to get a better vantage point of the train ahead. It is said that Watson was amazed by the view afforded from the position being able to not only see the train ahead but also from all sides, and to the rear as well. He apparently convinced C&NW shop forces to construct a type of open observation box onto an existing singe-level caboose with windows all around where one could sit and view their surroundings. The rest, as they say, is history and the common cupola was born.

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: Like any great idea, ours came from of a personal desire for a realistic, N-Scale frontier layout. Old West Scenery answers that need with more than 60 complete N-scale ready buildups and scenery items. These structures are created with such amazing detail, you’ll feel like you have been transported back in time!

Our laser printed buildings & scenery products draw inspiration from iconic western towns, like Deadwood, Yuma, Dodge City, and Tombstone. Rustic frontier towns such as these tamed the unforgiving territories, alongside the mighty railroads that made their way across the American Frontier. All our N-Scale products are 3D printed using the latest laser technology in a process called “Additive Manufacturing”. This process allows us to produce complete buildings, ready to be painted and placed on your layout. No more glue or tape. No more finagling with small parts. And best of all, no more frustration and disappointment when your DIY kit just doesn’t turn out quite the way you hoped!