An International Car Co. (ICC) wide-cupola caboose is the latest model to join the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service product range. The S scale model features an injection-molded plastic body and features wire handrails and grab irons, factory-installed and painted crew figures, and illuminated light-emitting-diode marker lights.
Prototype history
The sample we received is decorated as Reading Co. 94104, part of the railroad’s 94100 through 94109 NEa series built by ICC in August 1970. On April 1, 1976, Reading 94104 became Conrail 22135, part of the newly formed railroad’s 22130 through 22139 N-20 class. In June 1999 the caboose joined the Norfolk Southern roster after Conrail’s assets were split between NS and CSX.
A classic returns
The ScaleTrains wide-cupola caboose is based on tooling introduced by S-Helper Service in 1997. The model has an injection-molded plastic body with a separate cupola and underbody. Rooftop details included see-through, etched-metal running boards; wire corner grab irons on top of the cupola; a freestanding toilet vent stack; and a separate, factory-applied smokejack with a U-shaped brace attached to the cupola.
The body has sprung doors on both ends. Inside is a detailed interior with desks, chairs, bunks, lockers, and a stove. The floor has individual board detail and is painted tan to simulate wood. Two factory-installed and painted crew figures, both facing the A end, are seated in chairs in the cupola and by the desk.
Injection-molded plastic end cages with a separate brakewheel are attached to both ends of the caboose. The platforms have molded grating detail; the steps are see-through plastic. Various formed wire grab irons are attached to the ends and side corners of the model.
The underbody features molded center sill and crossmember detail. Freestanding details include the air reservoir, brake cylinder, control valve, and related support brackets, levers, rods, and pipes.
All of the windows have flush-fitting glazing; the end cupola windows have plastic windshield wipers. The interior and marker lights on the A end of the caboose are illuminated with light-emitting diodes. The markers display red to the side and A end; the lights facing the B end are clear.
Model vs. prototype
The Reading Co. green and yellow paint is smooth and evenly applied, with crisp separation lines between colors. The lettering placement matches a prototype photo that I found online, though the weight, shop stencil, and equipment trust stencils were omitted. The class stencil (NEb) and build date (10-71) are incorrect for the 94104. It should be NEa and 8-70. The stencils are correct for the Reading 94110, the other road number offered by ScaleTrains. The full-size Reading cabooses didn’t have running boards or end ladders.
From the box, the caboose is fitted with American Flyer-compatible wheels and couplers. Scale code 110 metal wheel stubs mounted on plastic axles, Kadee-compatible scale knuckle couplers, shims, and mounting screws are included with the model.
On our sample, one of the sprung, die-cast metal trucks was distorted. The ScaleTrains customer service team quickly sent me a replacement truck that worked as advertised. Replacing the trucks and couplers takes less than 5 minutes.
A couple of the wheelsets were tight when measured with a National Association of S-Gaugers Standards Gauge. A quick twist of the wheel stub on the axle brought them into gauge.
The A end coupler was .010” too low, while the B end coupler was at the correct height. At 5.7 ounces, the ScaleTrains caboose is 0.2 ounce light per National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1.
I was unable to find elevation drawings for a Reading Co. caboose. However, drawings of an International Car Co. wide-cupola caboose built for the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton were published in the June 1974 MR. The ScaleTrains model closely follows published data.
It’s good to see the International Car Co. back in the S scale market. The ready-to-run model is well detailed and faithfully follows prototype dimensions. I’m curious to see the next releases in the ScaleTrains S-Helper Service product range.
Facts & features
Price: $59.99
Manufacturer
ScaleTrains
4901 Old Tasso Rd. NE
Cleveland, TN 37312
Era: 1970 to present (varies depending on paint scheme)
Road names: Reading Co.; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Chesapeake & Ohio; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Chicago & North Western; CSX; Great Northern; and Missouri-Kansas-Texas. One to three road numbers per scheme; also available undecorated.
Features
- Kadee-compatible scale couplers, B end at correct height, A end .010” too low
- Metal scale code 110 wheel stubs mounted on plastic axles, two in gauge and two tightly gauged
- Minimum radius: 20”
- Weight: 5.7 ounces, .2 ounce light per National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1
