calling all post-war caboose experts

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

i have a 2357 SP Lionel caboose,
from the research i 've done, supposedly
this model was illuminated.
mine isn’t, and doesn’t show any evidence
of being equipped with lighting… ?

is this an aberration ?

it is the standard tuscan brown color.
any assistance appreciated.

driver8
on the BNSF mainline
Iowa, USA

2

There might have been a rare variation but more likely someone has swaped out the frame and trucks. You can easily get the parts to make it light though.

Pete

3

Driver8,

The caboose you have is likely altered. The frames on the SP style caboose are interchangable. So anything from a frame change to the light and roller truck being removed or swapped to another caboose is possible.

Even if it is factory original - Lionel could have simply put the wrong frame on it. As you say - an aberration - but likely no greater value than a proper 2357.

  1. Does it have the tool box? (key to possible frame change)
  2. Does it have the ladders on each end?

Regards,
Roy

4

no toolbox,
does have notches on each end
for the MISSING ladders.

steps on all corners, and
one corner of roof broken off.

should i find another candidate
for ‘kitbashing’ ?

the missing ladders and the broken
corner don’t contribute to the value
at all, i know…

thanks, gentlemen-

driver8
on the BNSF mainline
IOWA, USA !!!

5

George Tebolt now sells toolboxes. You can get the ladders and any other parts from him as well as most of the repro parts dealers. That said the cost of all of these parts will probably be more than finding complete caboose. 6457s here sell for 10 to 15 bucks in decent shape. Same caboose with magnetic couplers.

Pete

6

Thanks !

think i will find another
candidate anyway,
i’m sure they made
thousands of these,
but it is over 50 years old,
and seems a shame to
'scrap ’ her !!!

appreciate all the advice as usual.

driver8 on the BNSF mainline
IOWA, USA !!!