PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:
As more trains exceeded Plate C dimensions with taller and taller cars, the caboose cupola became ineffective for watching over a train. By borrowing another railroads caboose, Union Pacific found that bay-windows provided better train visibility, were safer, and more comfortable to ride in than a cupola. They placed an order for 100 cabooses with International Car Company for a new class of caboose being delivered in 1979. Large protected end porches, 70-ton National Swing Motion trucks, elevated toolboxes, oil-fired heat, and hydraulic coupler cushioning were some of the new features that made these crew favorites.
A single CA-12 prototype was created with comfort and safety improvements. However the order was cancelled as UP inherited recently-built Rock Island cabooses (CA-13). UP modified the CA-11 fleet with many of these features creating a sub-class of the CA-11. Additional unique modifications were made to these iconic cabooses as they were no longer needed for regular train service, several of which Athearn has created detailed versions.
CA-11 CABOOSE FEATURES:
Better than brass detail including roadname and road number specific detail and laser-sharp painting and printing
See-through end platforms and steps
Wire-form grab irons
Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle-spring couplers
Separate wireform grab irons, etched metal coupler platforms
Full underframe detail: air brake reservoir, control valve, and brake cylinder with plumbing and brake rod details
Weighted for trouble-free operation
Accurately painted and printed for prototypical realism
Durable jewel case packaging
Detailed interior including conductors desk, stove, sink, bathroom, radio stand, and more
Etched metal window screens on door and some side windows
Axle generator details
Multiple road numbers
Coupler lift bars, trainline hoses, brake hoses, and hardware
Machined metal wheels with RP25 contours operate on all popular brands of track
Fully-assembled and ready-to-run out of the box
Highly-detailed, injection-molded body
Minimum radius: 9 radius
