US Bobber Caboose Scale 1/32 - OpenRailway

myminifactory

This is a highly detailed (1/32) scale model of a Bobber Caboose designed for a garden railway that runs on 45mm tracks. The Bobber Caboose, also known as a Way car, was the manned North American railroad car coupled at the end of a freight train. Early cabooses were called "Way cars" and this specific model began its service in the late 1890s with a cupola. The 2 axles Bobber caboose is well-known for the uneven ride caused by its lack of trucks. To build this model, you will need to use 3 mm wheel axles and a LGB-like coupler holder so it can accept either LGB standard couplers or knuckle couplers. I printed everything in ABS plastic on a heated bed (100°) coated with a 3D adhesive spray for easier sanding, filing, and gluing. The stairs require support and must be printed with a 0.3 mm wall thickness. The cupola is a bit tricky to print due to the big overhangs. I included a file with support, but the result may be uneven and the file without support can give better results depending on your printer. All small pieces are printed with a 0.1mm layer thickness and the bigger ones with 0.2 mm. The roofs are printed vertically and come with an easily removable brim (I've added a version of the bigger one without brim for those who cannot print it vertically). Post-printing, assemble the wheels, outer axles, and axles first (it's better to use metal shafts 3mm in diameter if you want your model rolling). Insert the axle holders into the slots at the bottom of the cabin by tilting them outwards (the hinges of the tool box must be on the side opposite to the cupola). Then insert the wheels assembly and screw the toolbox to the bottom of the cabin with a 2x10 (or 2x12) mm screw. When the wheels are well adjusted, you can glue the axle holder in place for better rigidity. Glue the four brakes in the corresponding holes. Screw the coupler holders into place with two 2.5 mm screws on each side. Glue all windows in the cabin and cupola (glue clear plastic sheets first on the inner side of the windows). Glue a scrap of ABS to the inner side of the roof, covering the chimney hole. Insert the beam holding the roof and cupola with the notched ends upwards (glue it when everything fits) and with the two close holes to the cupola side. Screw the cupola to the beam through the roof with two 2.5 mm screws. Use a 2 mm screw to hold the roof on the other side. Then screw the cupola roof with two 2mm screws. Glue the chimney (after gluing its parts together) in its hole and the front and rear gangways in their corresponding holes (the rear gangway and the lateral part of the front gangway can be bent to follow the curve of the roof). Glue the handrails to the lateral and front sides of the cabin. Glue the platforms (the one with the hole for the brake wheel is on the side opposite to the cupola). Insert the big guardrail into the ladder (to make one of the rungs) and glue the assembly into the corresponding holes of the platforms (adjust the ladder so its upper part rests against the roof). Glue the two handles on the front side of the platforms. Glue the brake wheel in the remaining hole of the front platform. Glue the handrails on the cupola roof and the handles on the gangways and you're done. Now you can install your favorite coupler and get your caboose rolling.