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Bluford Shops N scale modern caboose
P.S. The Union Pacific presumably acquired at least some of its cabooses built to this design when it absorbed the Missouri Pacific.
The Boston area’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority obtained one of these cabooses not later than 2008 for use in work trains on its Commuter Rail lines. It’s still in its bright red MP paint with the same “screaming eagle and sun or buzzsaw” herald shown in the photo of the model, and wearing its MP number: 13743.
Most earlier cabooses with very sizable “porches” were used almost exclusively in transfer service between freight yards and were often called transfer cabooses by railfans and modelers. The cars Bluford has modeled were used on mainline freight trains. I still remember how surprised I was when I first saw one, at Independence, MO, in 1982 or 1986.
I’m not a MP fan to say, but I’ve always thought this caboose is one ‘must have’ for those who still love to see them on the end.
I did spot one in Russellville Arkansas back in the late 70’s early 80’s on the siding with Gp-18 and the crew must have had a fairly good sense of humor or at-least loved BBq with a Webber grill on the porch and sun deck chairs. cant wait to model that when it’s out in HO
I have the pc decorated model ran this week at the gte show in indy. Instantly became a favorite tracked well no jerkiness because it is too lite. peformed great. I hope they make a BNSF one , every train needs a caboose great job buford. pc forever!