Red Caboose

Red Caboose released a 36' Harriman S-40-5 stock car in July, 2007, which is modeled after the SP, T&NO, WP car, and some UP classes. Westerfield has had this kit in resin for a long time.

Originally built in 1915-17, these cars were modernized with AB brakes in the 40s and continued in service into until the end of the 60s.

The first release required 3/4 ounce of weight to bring it to NMRA standards. Because of the detailed underbody, truck swing was very limited on the "B" end of the car. In order to keep the car on the track, one brake rod was relocated. The couplers were also too low per the Kadee gauge, so the body was raised .030" using a styrene spacer.

These are beautiful cars and a welcome edition to the railroad. Richard Hendrickson reviewed these cars in the October 2006 Railmodel Journal and they are included in Robert Hundman's Stock Car Cyclopedia. Model Railroading, January 1989, gives more information.

Westerfield offered resin kits of the S-40-4 in the 5200 series and S-40-8/9/10 in the 5400 series. Sunshine makes the S-40-12/13 cars (#54.9/10).