Bowser HO scale class N8 cabin car kit is an accurate model of this Pennsylvania RR steel caboose

Bowser’s easy plastic kit for a Pennsylvania RR class N8 steel cabin car (PRR’s term for a caboose) greatly simplifies modeling the “Standard Railroad of the World.” The 200 cars of this class were built at the PRR’s Altoona, Pa., shop between 1950 and 1951. They saw service system-wide, with some lasting to the 1970s.

The model matches the prototype dimensions shown in the drawing published in the February 2002 Model Railroader magazine.

Bowser’s model has a one-piece carbody which includes the sides, ends, and floor. A clear styrene window insert snaps into the body to secure the weight on the floor. A similar insert also snaps into the cupola to provide flush-fitted glazing in all of the window openings.

Separate parts are provided for the grab irons, a toolbox, AB brake system, coupler box covers, and end railing assemblies which have PRR’s characteristic heavy collision posts.

A single exploded isometric drawing explains the quick assembly. All of the yellow grab irons are fine acetal plastic castings which press into holes in the body shell. Pay close attention to the instructions here as these parts look similar but have slight differences.

Our kit came with McHenry magnetic knuckle couplers, which fit easily into the coupler boxes. The coupler height is correct.

Rigid-frame acetal plastic AAR standard 50-ton trucks are provided. The RP-25 contour wheels are mounted on brass needle-point axles. These trucks are very free-rolling, and all the wheelsets match the National Model Railroad Association standards gauge.

The cabin car weighs only two ounces, so another ounce and a half of weight should be added to bring them up to the NMRA’s recommended practice of one ounce plus 1/2-ounce per inch of length.

For modelers of PRR’s Trainphone era, Bowser offers the necessary antenna details in its Cal-Scale line. The underside of the caboose roof includes marks locating the mounting holes that must be drilled to install the antenna stanchions.

The car I built came neatly painted with clear printed lettering. Many authentic paint schemes are available.

HO PRR N8 cabin car

Price: $29.95 each

Manufacturer
Bowser Mfg. Co.
P.O. Box 322
Montoursville, PA 17754-0322
www.bowser-trains.com

Description
Plastic kit car

Road Names
Pennsylvania RR schemes:
Original circle keystone
(sublettered for three
operating divisions); shadow
keystone herald (five
divisions); plain keyston
herald (black roof); plain
keystone herald (Focal
Orange body)
Conrail Blue, Blue with large
herald, and Conrail Green
Illinois Central Gulf
Penn Central Green, Penn
Central with large herald
Undecorated