Scratch Building a Logging Caboose

Here are the basic parts for the frame. I used the gondola for sizing the outside dimensions of the frame beams. A piece of styrene will form the center beam.

Gluing up the frame beams.

Next was to create some siding templates out of card stock. I just eyeballed measurements based on approximate dimensions of a loco cab.

After cutting out the card stock templates, I glued them to some die cut strip wood cards. I then cut out the strip wood using the templates. The glued templates will hold the strip wood shape for the siding pieces.

I formed a door by simply gluing frame pieces to the strip wood card.

Adding planks to the frame with scale 2x10 lumber. I later added grain by dragging a knife along them.

Constructing the body. Rude and crude like the loggers would make. Additional framing beams were added inside for rigidity.

Used black card stock to make tarpaper roofing.

Making a small toolbox out of card stock. Cut out as one piece and folded the sides up.

Weathered tool box with tools of course.

Finishing up the model. The trucks, brake wheel and side steps are from the parts box. Kadee couplers glued to the frame. The deck hand rails are brass rod. I weathered the wood with an india ink wash. The decking and metal parts have been further weathered with some pastel chaulks. The rope is thread soaked in diluted white glue and a small rail spike forms the hook. An aluminum tube and some wine bottle tin form the smoke stack on the roof.

The model in place on my logging diorama.

Created by IrfanView