The ready-to-run models will feature:

• Magnetically operating knuckle couplers 

• Metal wheels

• Wire grab irons

• Window “glass”

• Plenty of weight

When Rock Island required new cabooses in the late 60s, Union Pacific, with whom RI was planning to merge, paid for the cars and leased them to RI. The merger never happened but the lease continued until Rock Island shutdown in 1980. At that point the cabooses were returned to Union Pacific. THE ROCK lettering and big R were patched out. The two cars presented here were re-numbered at different times and likely at different paint shops since the lettering sizes do not match. The wonky placement of the 24572 matches the prototype – someone was in a hurry.

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