Prototype Information:
The "prototype" of our model is actually taken from the drafting table of the Morrison International shop in Kenton, Ohio.
Because of the great variety of equipment needs between railroads in the 1950's, International developed the idea of a "modular" caboose design. This conceptual design essentially broke the caboose down on paper into different types or styles that could be built to meet the specific needs of a particular railroad. Rather than trying to force a rigid, fixed design on all the railroads, International felt it better to let the railroad select the pieces to build the caboose to their own liking.
International claimed "the adaptability of our standard design into variations to suit the purchasing road's specifications gives ample scope for satisfaction of crew and operating departments. Equipment and facilities, as well as construction and engineering detail, are subject to the railroad's specifications."
Our "borrowing" of this modular design concept allows hobbyists to be the Equipment Manager of their modeled railroad by putting a "custom" crew car on their rails. Although the road numbers we are reproducing may not be an exact scale miniature of an actual prototype unit, hobbyists can operate them on their layout with a sense of possible actuality.
A look at reproduced International Caboose advertisements show a Bay Window design and a Transfer design available for order, as well as the different Cupola designs.
Depending upon the size and type of unit, a caboose could sleep 2-4 persons and be equipped with lockers, work desk, oil heater, and toilet. Some crews even enjoyed a true life of luxury by having a hot plate and refrigerator on board!
International built cabooses for several different railroads, including the Belt Railway Company of Chicago, Reserve Mining Co., Cambria & Indiana, the Terminal RR Association of St. Louis, Elgin Joliet & Eastern, Wabash, Clinchfield, Susquehanna, Western Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Chicago Great Western, and St. Louis & San Francisco.