Paint scheme for CN wood caboose

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

I’m just finishing an old Juneco craftsman kit of a CN wood sheathed caboose. I found a picture of a similar caboose painted in the orange paint scheme dated 1956. My layout is 1952, and I’m wondering if the orange paint scheme is the proper one for that year.

2

Here’s what the “Canadian National Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, Vol 2” has to say on the subject:
“From 1920 to 1943 they [cabooses] were mineral brown with block lettering. Beginning in late 1943 they were painted morency orange on the sides, ends and cupola while the roof, underframe, steps and trucks were mineral brown. The tilted white leaf herald was applied starting in 1943. The horizontal white leaf herald was initiated in November, 1954, the green leaf in 1955 and the CN symbol in 1961.”

I hope this info is of help to you.

3

Thanks for the info, Colin. Do you know if the color guide is still in print? Who publishes it?
Thanks
Hugh

4

Canadian National Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, Vol 1 & 2
ISBN 1-58248-033-8 (Vol 1); 1-58248-055-9 (Vol 2)
US$54.95 ea
Author: John Riddell
Publisher: Morning Sun Books (www.morningsunbooks.com/canadacat.html)

I just checked the website; both are still available.

5

In addition to the previous reply, let me say that these books are a terrific source of info for CN modellers. They also have similar books for CP and N de M modellers as well as some US roads.