QUESTION ABOUT LIONEL L.S.

Garden Railroading
1

I HAVE A DROVERS CABOOSE OF SORT’S, MADE BY LIONEL WHAT SCALE IS IT? THE GAUGE IS 45MM/G.

2

Most of the Lionel LS is roughly (very roughly) 1:32. They tended to use a mishmosh width, length and height (sort of like another manufacturer [;)]). They also made a few things in 1:24. The best way to tell what scale caboose might be is to measure the door height and figure its supposed to be in the 6’6" to 7’ tall range.

-Brian

3

Thanks, now all I need to do is get the caboose and my micometer in the same place at the same time.

4

The caboose in question is part of Lionel’s “Gold Rush Special” set, and as such was not really built to any scale. It’s far more of a caricature of a caboose than a scale model, designed to go with a significantly shortened wood gondola and an 0-6-0 of definite toy proportions.

Here’s a link to a photo of the set that’s currently on ebay.
http://iauctionexpress.com/Ebaypics/lionelrush2.jpg

Some of Lionel’s other models were much “better” in terms of being scale models. They were not 1:32, but closer to 1:29. (Their 4-4-2 “Atlantic” is actually larger than Aristo’s 1:29 pacific; I forget how their GP-20 scaled out.)

Brian’s advice on guestimating the scale based on door heights is very good, but note that most doors on railroad equipment were around 6’ tall. Side doors (such as those on this caboose) were often shorter, around 5’ 6" or so. (Measurements based on narrow gauge practices, figuring this set is based–albeit very loosely–on a narrow gauge train.)

Later,

K

5

Even better responce, that is the caboose. I obtained it by it-self at a closing hobby/toy store in Denver back in the early 90’s I think I still have the Box, My plan is to repaint for the DNRR as part of it’s logging operations. it seams to be so far out scale ( any ) that it may look good with my SHAY. when I can get both together and my digital in Reno I will post some PIX’s.

6

Hi dwbeckette

If I may be so bold given the unusual door configuration, I happen to have the same D&RGW caboose

As you plan on using it on the logging line have you considered adding bars to the windows some how and using it for a pay car.

mine when I pluck up the courage to start having a go at it will become a bullion van ( minus the cupola )

regards John