Cars #1004 and #1010 as delivered circa1951, painted brown with letter board lettering. Note these cars were not radio equipped when delivered but some did receive radios while still in this original paint scheme.

Between 1951 and 1954 the Northern Pacific Railway’s Brainerd shops built two groups of steel cabooses to upgrade the roads existing but aging caboose fleet. Cars #1000-1049 were com-pleted in 1951 as the first steel cabooses on the NP. Brainerd also built 12 identical cars for the SP&S, #860-871. These were also the SP&S’s first steel cabooses. Fifty additional cars were built in 1954, NP #1050-1099 along with another 12 for the SP&S, #880-891.

Both groups of cars were similar except for the height to the top of the cupola which was one foot higher on the first group. This noticeable difference lead to the first cars being referred to as ‘High Cupola’ and the second group as ‘Low Cupola’ by railfans. Subsequent modifications by the SP&S resulting in revised window arrangements for their cars. Thus there were actually 4 distinct body configurations reflected in the two groups of cars.

During their service on the NP and the SP&S these cars wore a number of paint schemes . In addition many of the cars lasted well into the BN era thus adding to the verity of paint options. Considering the different body configurations and railroad owners at least 18 different possible variations of these cars are easily identified. The North Bank Line is proposing to produce a number of these variations as indicated in the related flyers.

All models will be factory finished with Kadee #58 style couplers and Tahoe Model Works’ trucks. Interior detail will be limited to those visible in the cupola. There will be no lighting. However, cored marker light casting and NP style paddle markers will be included. Delivery is subject to Boo Rim Precision’s production schedule but I’m planning for late 2018.

Note these cars were not radio equipped when delivered but some did receive radios while still in this original paint scheme.