Tangent HO Gantt Manufacturing Bay Window Caboose Southern “Repaint 1979, Local Service”

Description

Railroad Short Name: SOU

Southern Railway (SOU) Local Service “Repaint 1979 with Solar” w/ FRA End Light & Interior Lights shows off one of those paint schemes and configurations that is the very definition for many of a Southern Railway caboose.  SOU refurbished their “Local Service” Gantt-built cabooses in the late 1970s, as radio use became more prevalent and electric red marker lights needed to be added to the ends.  SOU’s innovative approach resulted in Solar panels being added to the top of the roof to charge a battery system on the prototypes.  These Tangent caboose models stand out with a carefully replicated (non-working!) solar panel rack, clear “Lexan” covers, battery box and wire conduit setup.  There are actually two prototype placements for the Solar panels.  We chose the mounting brackets that line up with the end of the carbody for these car numbers, all refurbished and repainted in 1979.  The models feature a repaint version of the Southern red scheme, including COTS panels and U-1 inspection dots as shown in the prototype photos.  In this era, Southern was applying various safety slogans at the steps of each caboose.  We have applied “GET A GOOD GRIP ON SAFETY” at the steps, accurate for the September of 1979 repaint/refurbish date of the models.  The smokejack has been replaced in this era, with a distinctive flaring style.  The ends have been modified.  Notice the centered, lower round reflective end paddle is gone, and replaced with a red FRA marker light.  This light is “solid on,” i.e. it doesn’t flash, matching SOU practice.   The underframe features things like a red-painted air reservoir, ABD valve and brake cylinder, accurate for Southern painting practices.  Underneath, the model is equipped with 50-Ton Plain Bearing Caboose Trucks with Leaf Springs.  For lighting, this Tangent SOU model is equipped with “golden” interior lights and FRA red end lights.  A wand is included to operate the lights – easy with no fuss!   We are offering our SOU Local Service “Repaint 1979 with Solar” scheme in 4 numbers.  The COTS data and Cobra Shoe stencils change slightly to match photos of each car number.

Features:

• Dimensional accuracy – designed from meticulous field dimensions using real tape measures on four real SOU Gantt cabooses – see “thank you” section below for more details for our project field research
• Highly correct “true to life” colors
• “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
• Genuine Kadee® scale couplers
• “Near-scale” draft gear box
• Multiple road numbers for each scheme, as appropriate
• Road and Era-specific details for each RTR scheme, including multiple body, roof, underframe detail and truck combinations
• A beautiful Stanray “terminating” diagonal panel roof with accurate huck bolt details everywhere!
• Accurate step and end tread patterns
• Underframe details to match as-built Gantt configurations
• Multiple roof configurations for different roof walkway bracket, antenna and solar panel mounting locations
• Underframe and truck axle drive generator options
• Different end railing/marker light options, based on Gantt build date and era
• Two different wire “coupler lift bar” detail options, per prototype application
• Accurate SOU-specific interior, including iconic angled-back notched bay window seating, conductor desk and stationery equipment locker, tall lockers, coal stove, coal bin, open toilet area with retention tank, sink, water storage tank, ice chest and more. The interior is accurately painted in Southern’s Silver Gray Enamel.
• Full underbody details – brake system with brake rods and piping, release rod, and even the toilet air flush tank for the inside retention tank – all based on the prototype!
• Beautiful side wire curved grab irons and intricate Gantt end railings in plastic
• LED illuminated FRA end lights with a proper SOU “solid on” (i.e. no flash) that can be controlled on or off – on each end – independently, where appropriate by paint scheme
• LED illuminated interior lighting “warm” lights to replicate Aladdin lamps or incandescent bulbs of the prototypes that can be controlled on or off
• No complicated decoder. No complicated programming. No complicated electronics. DC/DCC compatible track-powered “no fuss” interior and marker light lighting – simple and easy to operate with included wand
• CNC-machined standard RP25 .110” tread 33” wheels (Yes, semi-scale .088” wheels are available separately!)
• Two Southern Railway truck options: “Road” cabooses are equipped with all-new 70-Ton Barber Roller Bearing Generator Caboose Trucks, and “Local” cabooses are equipped with all-new 50-Ton Plain Bearing/Leaf Spring Caboose Trucks.
• Recommended age 14 years and older