Tangent HO Southern (SOU) Local Service “Repaint 1979 w/ Solar” Southern Railway Gantt Manufacturing Company Bay Window Caboose #X237

Product: Southern Railway Gantt Manufacturing Company Bay Window Caboose
Scale: HO Scale 1:87.1
Truck: All-New 50-Ton Plain Bearing Caboose Trucks w/ Leaf Springs
Wheels: CNC-machined standard RP25 .110” tread 33” wheels
DC/DCC Lighting Features: Interior Lighting and FRA End Lights with a Proper SOU “Solid On” (i.e. no flash)
Eras: 1979-1991
– Southern Railway (SOU) Local Service “Repaint 1979 with Solar” w/ FRA End Light & Interior Lights shows off one of those paint schemes and configurations that is the very definition for many of a Southern Railway caboose. SOU refurbished their “Local Service” Gantt-built cabooses in the late 1970s, as radio use became more prevalent and electric red marker lights needed to be added to the ends. SOU’s innovative approach resulted in Solar panels being added to the top of the roof to charge a battery system on the prototypes. These Tangent caboose models stand out with a carefully replicated (non-working!) solar panel rack, clear “Lexan” covers, battery box and wire conduit setup. There are actually two prototype placements for the Solar panels. We chose the mounting brackets that line up with the end of the carbody for these car numbers, all refurbished and repainted in 1979. The models feature a repaint version of the Southern red scheme, including COTS panels and U-1 inspection dots as shown in the prototype photos. In this era, Southern was applying various safety slogans at the steps of each caboose. We have applied “GET A GOOD GRIP ON SAFETY” at the steps, accurate for the September of 1979 repaint/refurbish date of the models. The smokejack has been replaced in this era, with a distinctive flaring style. The ends have been modified. Notice the centered, lower round reflective end paddle is gone, and replaced with a red FRA marker light. This light is “solid on,” i.e. it doesn’t flash, matching SOU practice. The underframe features things like a red-painted air reservoir, ABD valve and brake cylinder, accurate for Southern painting practices. Underneath, the model is equipped with 50-Ton Plain Bearing Caboose Trucks with Leaf Springs. For lighting, this Tangent SOU model is equipped with “golden” interior lights and FRA red end lights. A wand is included to operate the lights – easy with no fuss! We are offering our SOU Local Service “Repaint 1979 with Solar” scheme in 4 numbers. The COTS data and Cobra Shoe stencils change slightly to match photos of each car number.