Welcome to the Athearn Trains Website!
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 conductor’s 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 ¾”” radius
UP As Delivered FEATURES:
- L-angle porch supports
- Straight steps
- Unshielded walkway lights
- Two window screens options included
UP Madera Flyer FEATURES:
- Roof-mounted Nathan K3 air horn
- Roof-Mounted brass bell
- Additional CA-11a prototype features
UP Modified FEATURES:
- Modified ‘boxed’ porch supports
- Additional door-side grab irons
- Lowered and extended steps
- Shielded walkway lights
- Side-mounted tack boards
- Two window screen options included
UP Snowbus FEATURES:
- Unique body style with enclosed end porches
- Features insulated,-non-opening windows
- MU pedestal and rubber Signal hoses unique to these cars
- Additional center-mounted porch light
- #25809 - Original straight steps
- #25872 - Modified steps
INPR FEATURES:
- Ex-UP
- CA-11a modified features
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.
Product Specs
Axles
Minimum Radius
Reporting Mark
Full Road Name
Scale
Sub Brand
Coupler Style
Prototype Manufacturer