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 Post subject: GN X220 Caboose
PostPosted: Wed Oct 16, 2013 10:40 pm 

Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm
Posts: 2875
A bit of internet research told me this is GN X220 built 5/1942.

I originally thought it was one of those caboose look-alike kits they're now selling, but a quick glance at the underbody indicated that this was a real caboose.

Anyone know what era the GN used aluminum barn siding on their cabooses?


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 Post subject: Re: GN X220 Caboose
PostPosted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:09 pm 

Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2004 10:54 am
Posts: 1184
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Not being a NP historian, I can't say if they ever did use aluminum siding. I'm not aware of it being used on railcars like that. That said, it looks like a good idea if you're dealing with a wooden car and are more interested in protecting the car from weather. It might also be a reasonable means of protecting a wood car that you don't have immediate ability to restore or place in protected storage. The wooden caboose that TVRM has (NC&St.L. No. 41) seems to require attention every few years.

Based on the design of the car, I'd be willing to bet that it started life as a wooden caboose. Replacing siding can be done by anyone with basic woodworking skills. That said, it costs money and is time consuming for most small organizations. Whomever put the siding on this caboose at least took the time to install it so that it looks good (mimicking the orientation of wood siding). The windows also look like aftermarket aluminum frame replacements-no way to open them.

_________________
"When a man runs on railroads over half of his lifetime he is fit for nothing else-and at times he don't know that."- Conductor Nimrod Bell, 1896


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 Post subject: Re: GN X220 Caboose
PostPosted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 2:26 am 

Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm
Posts: 2875
Alan, sorry, the question was meant as humor. The siding and windows were obviously fairly new, and added long after this hack's railroad career ended. They were done with care, and seem to be protecting it against the harsh Montana winters pretty well.

Since it was intended mostly for fun, I posted this in the rail fanning topic, but that's not always obvious.


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