Along side the Hudson steam locomotive, the 19000 series wood caboose, with its distinctive low cupola, was the iconic image of the New York Central from the early teens of the 20th century through the 1960s. Referred to as the “standard” caboose of the NYC, the 19000 series was actually a compilation of cars created from a fleet of nearly 2000 cabooses, which were inherited from predecessor roads – some dating back to the 1890s. Between 1912 and 1926, many of these cars were rebuilt with common features such as window arrangement, steel underframes, and low cupolas, but, as eight different company shops were involved, subtle variations resulted.

Kit No. 554 features: 100% laser-cut components with custom laser-scribed Birch plywood side, end walls, and cupola; Tab & Slot carbody construction; Peel & Stick window, door, and trim assembly; laser-cut underframe, end platforms, ladders, end railing, hand grabs, window glazing, truss rods, and brake wheels; cast resin platform steps and brake gear; plastic smokejack; custom decals by Tichy Train Group; and fully illustrated instructions that provide information on painting and decaling the assembled model. In addition, the N scale kit provides for optional details too such as square or rounded body corner posts; side windows that can be modeled open or closed; two different styles of roofwalks; and cupola end window variation. We recommend the purchase of Micro-Trains No.1015-1 Universal Body Mount Couplers, Atlas No. 22061 Friction Bearing Caboose Trucks, and paint and glue of your choice for the completion of this kit.