Athearn Genesis - N Scale - CA-11a Caboose - Union Pacific (UP) #25833 - Madera Flyer - Yellow/Gray/Black/Red with Red Lettering & Blue, Red/White Striped UP Shield Logo with White Lettering (Era: 2006-2012+) (SKU 141-1646)
Available On: September 1, 2025
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:
Union Pacific - Madera Flyer
Many CA-11 cabooses continued life as shoving platforms; their large porches ideal for a comfortable and protected position for such an operation. The long reversing maneuver required for this Fresno, CA based caboose encountered many dangerous road crossings. In 2008, it was “restored” with a slight paint scheme variation and the addition of headlights (non-functioning on the model), air horn, and roof-mounted bell.
UP FEATURES:
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