Search:
Type the text to search here and press Enter.
Separate search terms by a space; they will all be searched individually in all fields of the database. Click on Search: to go to the advanced search page.
Classifieds Only: Check this box if you want to search classifieds instead of the catalog.
Please help support TroveStar. Why?

Micro-Trains - 995 02 065 - Caboose, Cupola, Steel - Maintenance of Way

This item is not for sale. This is a reference database.
Z Scale - Micro-Trains - 995 02 065 - Caboose, Cupola, Steel - Maintenance of Way Image Courtesy of Micro-Trains Line
2020 Black Friday Cyber Release
Click on any image above to open the gallery with larger images.
Sell this item on TroveStar
Sell
Add a comment about this item.
It will be visible at the bottom of this page to all users.
Comment
BrandMicro-Trains
Stock Number995 02 065
Secondary Stock Number99502065
ManufacturerMicro-Trains
Production TypeSpecial Run
Body StyleMicro-Trains Caboose Cupola Steel
Prototype VehicleCaboose, Cupola, Steel (Details)
Road or Company NameMaintenance of Way (Details)
Reporting MarksM.W.
Additional Markings/SloganBlack Friday Cyber Special
Paint Color(s)Boxcar Red
Print Color(s)White
Paint SchemeWeathered & Christmas Tree Tagged
Coupler TypeMicro-Trains
Coupler MountBody-Mount
Wheel TypeInjection Molded Plastic
Release Date2020-11-01
Item CategoryRolling Stock (Freight)
Model TypeCaboose
Model SubtypeCupola
Model VarietyCenter
RegionNorth America
Prototype EraNA Era III: Transition (1939 - 1957)



Specific Item Information: Black Friday Cyber Specials: These N and Z Scale Cars were offered only with purchases from MTL's Website.
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.

Steel Cabooses replaced their wood-sheathed brethren after the second world war when the steel glut made the production and maintenance of steel cabooses far more efficient than wooden models. With the advancement of the End-of-Train device, cabooses slowly began to fall out of favor. However, in the early 2000’s, “shoving platforms” began to appear as a place to safely house a crew when a reverse move was required. Instead of riding on the side of a freight car, the crew member now has a safe place to stand, while guiding the rear of a reverse move.
Road Name History:
Maintenance of Way is a generic term that encompasses all activities and equipment related to maintaining railroad tracks in good condition.
Equipment is highly specialized and diversified. A non exhaustive list below:
  • Ballast cleaner
  • Ballast regulator
  • Clearance car
  • Crane
  • Dynamometer car
  • Grinder
  • Road–rail vehicle (Hi-Rail)
  • Rotary snowplow
  • Scale test car
  • Stoneblower
  • Tamping machine
  • Track geometry car
Brand/Importer Information:
Micro-Trains Line split off from Kadee Quality Products in 1990. Kadee Quality Products originally got involved in N-Scale by producing a scaled-down version of their successful HO Magne-Matic knuckle coupler system. This coupler was superior to the ubiquitous 'Rapido' style coupler due to two primary factors: superior realistic appearance and the ability to automatically uncouple when stopped over a magnet embedded in a section of track. The success of these couplers in N-Scale quickly translated to the production of trucks, wheels and in 1972 a release of ready-to-run box cars.

Micro-Trains Line Co. split off from Kadee in 1990 to form a completely independent company. For this reason, products from this company can appear with labels from both enterprises. Due to the nature of production idiosyncrasies and various random factors, the rolling stock from Micro-Trains can have all sorts of interesting variations in both their packaging as well as the products themselves. When acquiring an MTL product it is very important to understand these important production variations that can greatly enhance (or decrease) the value of your purchase.
Item created by: CNW400 on 2022-05-03 10:46:22

If you see errors or missing data in this entry, please feel free to log in and edit it. Anyone with a Gmail account can log in instantly.