Did the PRR ever have bay window cabooses (cabin cars)? I can’t find any prototype photos of them, yet there are models of them. Did they exist, or are the models simply “artistic license?” Any help would be appreciated.
Hello Dave,
If you’re talking about standard PRR cabin car classes the answer is no, but of course there’s an exception. Like many roads, PRR badly needed additional cabooses during WWII, and it converted some of its X23 single-sheathed boxcars into NX23 “boxcar cabins.” These did have small bay windows on either side next to the center entry doors – making them side-door bay window cabooses, pretty unusual – and no cupolas.
A construction article on modeling the boxcar cabin appeared in the April 1971 Model Railroader, along with a prototype drawing of the original X23 boxcar. The article included a broadside view and two closeup photos of the NX23 prototype. You can order photocopies of articles from out of print back issues on this website.
So long,
Andy
Westerfield Models makes a resin kit of this car.
Here some more info about them - the LIRR acquired some of them - LIRR NX23 Cabooses
Hope this helps,
Gil, known as Bill somedays …
Thanx, Andy. That confirms my suspicions. Those conversions were really strange looking critters! -Dave
Thanx, Gil (or Bill). Maybe I’ll try my hand at a conversion and use it in a work train. -Dave
I think I recall that at least one of these cars with the roof removed was used to haul coke–the kind used in the steel making process.
The last time I saw it was at the Altoona Museum years ago. It was in disrepair then.
Doc
One is preserved at Utica, Ohio. It was used in a junk yard for years. I had taken a pictures of it back in the '70’s. Couldn’t believe it was saved.
Bob D.
Sorry, That’s Urbana, Ohio.
Bob D.
Here’s another one:
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qnwkdv8s8twq&lvl=19.59671850716019&dir=350.809300866475&sty=b
This one eventually wound up at the Pemberton Township Historic Trust at the old PRR station. When the mayor commanded that everything be scrapped, this might have gone to scrap. The interior was in really great shape but as you can see the outside left a lot to be desired.
Later!
Mr. Ed