B&O I-1, I-1a, I-2, I-3 Caboose
Classes & Details
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Classes
The I-1 cabooses and I-1A cabooses are indistinguishable from the exterior.
The I-1A cabooses had a slightly beefier center sill when built to allow
them to be used in pusher service. No I-1s were converted to I-1A class.
The I-2 cabooses generally had their cupolas removed. However, some I-1
and I-1A cabooses had their cupolas removed but still retained their I-1/1A class.
The I-3 cabooses were originally CH&D cabooses. CH&D 150-164 plus
two others became B&O C1600-1616. All but the C1615 were put
through a rebuilding program and all the rebuilt cabooses
were identical to the I-1 cabooses.
Window Arrangements
The as built I-5 caboose had four windows originally on both sides. Over time,
modifications were made to some cabooses such as adding an oil stove or toilet
that made certain windows an obstruction so they were simply removed and
covered over. Many of the restored cabooses still have the original window
framing
under the sheathing.
The above photo shows a 4 window side I-5 caboose.
This configuration is designated as [4] on our artwork page.
The above photo shows a 3 window side I-5 caboose.
This configuration is designated as [3-0] on our artwork page.
The above photo shows a 3 window side I-5 caboose.
This configuration is designated as [2-0-1] on our artwork page.
The above photo shows a 2 window side I-5 caboose.
This configuration is designated as [2-0] on our artwork page.
The above photo shows a 0 window side I-5 caboose.
This configuration is designated as [0] on our artwork page.
Smoke Stacks
We have identified a myriad of different smoke stacks on the B&O I-5 caboose.
However, there are prominently 4 major types which we will be offering.
This is where a picture of a short-new smoke stack will go.
Deflector
Some I-5 cabooses had a wind deflector in the cupuloa window, some did not.
Spring Mills Depot will be offering this detail on appropriate
road numbers based on photographs.
Cupola Window Types
The B&O I-5 cabooses were originally built with wood sash windows in the cupola.
Later in life, some were replaced with aluminum sash windows. Spring Mills Depot
will offering both types.
Markers
The B&O used various marker devices over the years starting with lanterns, then
using placards, and a select few I-5's received electric peep lights. Spring Mills
Depot
will be offering the appropriate marker for each era of I-5 and based on photographs
and research material.
Grabs
Our extensive research
revealed
there
were
three
major
types
or shapes of
grab irons
the B&O used on the sides of their I-5 cabooses -
an "L"
shape,
a "C" shape or
a "J" shape. Spring Mills Depot will build
models
with appropriate grab based
on photographs
and research material.
End Platform Types
The I-5 cabooses were originally built with wood decking on the end platforms. This type
can often be identified in photos by a thick flooring when viewed from the side or end.
Some I-5 cabooses were retrofitted with diamond plating on the end platform. There was
no consistency at all when or why the B&O changed the end platform decking. We have
photos of I-5's that were never converted to I-5c nor I-5d class but had diamond plating
installed on the end platforms. Conversely, we have photos of I-5c and I-5d cabooses that
retained their original wood decking after being rebuilt/reclassed.
Sides
All of the B&O I-5 cabooses were built with tongue and groove siding. However,
some cars rotted out quicker than others and they were rebuilt with plywood siding.
The B&O shop workers were very skilled as the plywood sided cars often look like steel
but they are not.
Oil Fill Pipe
Over the years, wood/coal stoves fell to the wayside as diesel fuel became
prominent on the B&O. To take advantage of this new fuel source
on the railroad, many I-5 cabooses were retrofitted with an oil
burning stove. This in turn required an oil tank to be installed inside
the caboose and an oil fill pipe on the outside of the caboose.
Toilet Vent
Some conductors were fortunate enough to have a toilet
installed in their I-5 caboose. This often resulted in blanking
out two windows and a vent installed on the side of the caboose.
Brake Stands
Originally, the I-5 cabooses were all built with a vertical brake
stands on the ends. Some were later converted to an AB style
of brake stand as shown below.
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