Wright Trak KO&G International Caboose kit

[madonnasuffolk30]

Yesterday I received my Wright Trak KO&G International caboose kit. Initial orders were submitted nearly five years ago for the model and I feel the model is worth the wait. The model represents the KO&G 1539-1553 built in 1952. Later they became T&P 13231-13245. They were placed in local service and renumbered to 12231-12245. Information from Jerry Michel’s excellent “Cabooses of the Missouri Pacific Lines” book.

The model consists of various polyurethane castings that includes multiple stainless steel photo etched parts that are finally detailed. Gary is sending me Tahoe Model trucks for the model and I will confirm that they will be included with all of the models. Decals were not included, but there are several sources for Mopac caboose decals. Weights and couplers were not included either which is fine as I plan to use Sergent couplers in my model.

Ensure you reference photos of the prototype from the time period that you model as the cabooses were rebuilt with various windows plated over, roof walkways were removed, and trucks were changed out. My model will be of MP 12240 which was used on a local train on my line. I will have my model at the St. Louis RPM meet 7-8 August for anyone to examine in person. Overall, I’m satisfied with the model that I received. It will require a little modeling to complete the caboose which is part of the fun.

Attached are two prototype photos of the model. Photo of 12240 was taken by Larry Byers at Concordia, Ks, in April 1981. MP 12242 was taken in May 1980 by unknown photographer.

Nate Obermeyer

[peggyrothschild]

Nate
I see the end ladders, how did he design the end railings are they PE parts or resin?

[mopac]

Here is a photo of the 12242 that I took and also a photo of the 12239.

[mopac]

Thanks for posting the photo of the kit, Nate. I’m still standing by the mail box, waiting! Nate and Steve, thanks for the prototype shots. Interesting variations on the rebuilds of the 15 ex KOG cabs.

Gary H. Omaha, NE

[madonnasuffolk30]

End railings are a mix of wire and PE parts. I’m trying to find a good straight on end view of the prototype caboose to compare to the model. There are many extra parts included with the kit.

Nate.

@cduckworth wrote:

Nate
I see the end ladders, how did he design the end railings are they PE parts or resin?

[mopac]

Looks NICE! The Tahoe trucks are not the same style as those pictured…

[madonnasuffolk30]

Originally the KOG cabooses received 30-ton Barber swing motion trucks which the Tahoe Model Works 105 or 205 replicate. During rebuild some did receive new trucks. I’m using Kadee ASF Ride-Control 50-ton trucks to replicate the model during my time frame.

The photo below shows the caboose with the as built swing motion trucks.

Nate

[mopac]

Are the Kadee trucks similar to the the ones on 12242? I’m doing that one and 12239…

[madonnasuffolk30]

Yes. the Kadee 50-ton ASF Ride-control trucks #1562 match in my opinion. The Mopac equipment diagrams for the KOG aboose that I have don’t list what specific trucks were used when they were rebuilt. I looked at other cabooses, for instance, the T&P built 2500-2593 (MP 13065-13157) show that they had 50-ton ASF Ride-Control trucks and others with 50-ton ASF Rigid type trucks. I have a good photo of the trucks on MP 12154 that show the ASF Ride-Control trucks and I feel they match the photos of the KOG after rebuilding.

Nate

[madonnasuffolk30]

I’ve been busy building the KOG caboose model as Mopac 12240 circa October 1979. Some observations. The model is accurate for when the cabooses were built for the KOG except for the addition of a window in the “A” end of the caboose. This can be filled in solid with styrene or a blank that is included in the kit.

As the prototypes were upgraded the tool box under side was replaced. Ensure you model from photos to ensure accuracy for your time frame. The kit includes the tool box which is accurate for the as built caboose. I’m scratchbuilding the version that appears in my time frame.

The stainless steel fret is missing enough side window awnings and window screens. Kit includes 2 where prototype had 8 for each. I sent Gary a message asking about it.

Some photos.

Nate

[madonnasuffolk30]

Here is my scratchbuilt version of the Battery box on the rebuilds. I used Steve McVey’s photos as a reference. I guessed on the dimensions of the box. I think anyway it’s a battery box. I plan to use a piece of angle styrene to replicate the metal piece in front of the battery box.

Nate

[mopac]

I did a little filing on the roof piece…to where it sits flush without pressure.

My cupola is fine…but I need to put it in warm water and then gently urge it flat on a piece of glass.

[mopac]

Nate,

Thanks for the photo’s and updates on your progress…..I look forward to seeing the cab in St Louis! Did you hear back from Wright Trak about the parts for the windows?
Even the old Hallmark and the Overland models had windows in both ends….at least the resin kits should be easy to fill in.

Still waiting by the mail box….

Gary H. – Omaha, NE

[madonnasuffolk30]

Gary is going to update the kit with the proper number of stainless steel etched window awnings and window screens. He said having only one window (B end) was discovered too late and the pattern maker is no longer doing patterns. He said he did include window blanks to fill in the end window. No progress tonight for my model.

Nate

[mopac]

I like your Sergent and Moloco combo!

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