PROTOTYPE INFO:

As more trains exceeded Plate C dimensions with taller and taller cars, the caboose cupola became ineffective for watching over a train. By borrowing another railroads caboose, Union Pacific found that bay-windows provided better train visibility, were safer, and more comfortable to ride in than a cupola. They placed an order for 100 cabooses with International Car Company for a new class of caboose being delivered in 1979. Large protected end porches, 70-ton National Swing Motion trucks, elevated toolboxes, oil-fired heat, and hydraulic coupler cushioning were some of the new features that made these crew favorites.

A single CA-12 prototype was created with comfort and safety improvements. However the order was cancelled as UP inherited recently-built Rock Island cabooses (CA-13). UP modified the CA-11 fleet with many of these features creating a sub-class of the CA-11. Additional unique modifications were made to these iconic cabooses as they were no longer needed for regular train service, several of which Athearn has created detailed versions.

CA-11 CABOOSE FEATURES:

• Better than brass detail™ including roadname and road number specific detail and laser-sharp painting and printing

• Detailed interior including conductor’s desk, stove, sink, bathroom, radio stand, and more

• See-through end platforms and steps

• Etched metal window screens on door and some side windows

• Wire-form grab irons

• Axle generator details

• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle-spring couplers

• Multiple road numbers

• Separate wireform grab irons, etched metal coupler platforms

• Coupler lift bars, trainline hoses, brake hoses, and hardware

• Full underframe detail: air brake reservoir, control valve, and brake cylinder with plumbing and brake rod details

• Machined metal wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track

• Weighted for trouble-free operation

• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box

• Accurately painted and printed for prototypical realism

• Highly-detailed, injection-molded body

• Durable jewel case packaging

• Minimum radius: 9 ¾”” radius

Union Pacific – Modified

Within a few years, UP’s CA-11 fleet began to receive modifications based on crew feedback. External changes included the L-angle porch supports being enclosed to reduce injuries, extra grab irons were added around the doors, steps were changed to reduce fatigue, and walkway lights were shielded to protect night-vision from the bay-windows.

UP FEATURES:

• Modified ‘boxed’ porch supports

• Shielded walkway lights

• Additional door-side grab irons

• Side-mounted tack boards

• Lowered and extended steps

• Two window screen options included

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