I was poking around on the internet last night to see if I could discover any more info about my Caboose trailer, and I came across the website of the son of the owner that I had emailed when I bought it. It seems that what I have is not really a 1974 Semaphore Caboose, but a prototype! He states perhaps 10 or fewer prototypes were ever built. So it seems that my caboose is ever more rare that I previously thought! More info and links to his website are on my blog.
-- Edited by nightsky on Sunday 9th of December 2012 11:52:36 AM
Lucky Mike said
07:57 PM Dec 9, 2012
now you have no option but to restore!!!!!!!....................cant wait to watch it grow up......planning on taking a trip down towards Ed..(Pierre) in january in the Snow bounder to warm up , would like to stop and look.....maybe lend a hand!!!
nightsky said
08:05 PM Dec 9, 2012
Would love to have you! And as far as the option to restore, that's the only option I really have given it's current condition. The idea that there were 10 or so built and perhaps this is the only one surviving is a bit mind-boggling to me, makes the $650 purchase price seem like even more of a bargain. We won't discuss how much I'm going to end up sinking into it to restore it. Rain here the next couple days followed by a big cool down, but I'm hoping to get it home this week. *fingers and toes crossed*
Lucky Mike said
08:29 PM Dec 9, 2012
just from looking at photo's if you had a short materials budget....and no major structural problems, and a few damaged campers around town .....you could completely restore and upgrade for under 3k........
that is probably a 1/3 of its low market value restored , and Im just guessing..........actual market value of this unit to a bunch of railroad buffs could be higher!!!
the big thing will be to try to keep it as close to original as far as caboose atmosphere goes.......and general footprint inside.
ad a little railroad nastogia on the walls and away you go!!!!.......will have to lookaround for one of those electric fireplaces
PIEERE said
09:22 PM Dec 9, 2012
Just looked at your blog Caryn and followed the links. Sure would be something if you have the survivor from 1970!!! This gets more intriguing as you do the research. The Son sure has an interest; maybe get him involved somehow. Mike; I guess I realize now why I was fortunate enough to remain here!
The Bear II said
05:14 PM Dec 10, 2012
I remember seeing these on the road back in the 70's. Thought it would be fun to have and a real attention getter. I seem to remember seeing one in a lime green which was a popular color in the early 70's.
I was poking around on the internet last night to see if I could discover any more info about my Caboose trailer, and I came across the website of the son of the owner that I had emailed when I bought it. It seems that what I have is not really a 1974 Semaphore Caboose, but a prototype! He states perhaps 10 or fewer prototypes were ever built. So it seems that my caboose is ever more rare that I previously thought! More info and links to his website are on my blog.
-- Edited by nightsky on Sunday 9th of December 2012 11:52:36 AM
Would love to have you! And as far as the option to restore, that's the only option I really have given it's current condition. The idea that there were 10 or so built and perhaps this is the only one surviving is a bit mind-boggling to me, makes the $650 purchase price seem like even more of a bargain. We won't discuss how much I'm going to end up sinking into it to restore it.
Rain here the next couple days followed by a big cool down, but I'm hoping to get it home this week. *fingers and toes crossed*
that is probably a 1/3 of its low market value restored , and Im just guessing..........actual market value of this unit to a bunch of railroad buffs could be higher!!!
the big thing will be to try to keep it as close to original as far as caboose atmosphere goes.......and general footprint inside.
ad a little railroad nastogia on the walls and away you go!!!!.......will have to lookaround for one of those electric fireplaces
Mike; I guess I realize now why I was fortunate enough to remain here!
Good luck with the restoral.