Thinking about #2...a caboose?

[planovet]

I know, it is not an original thought, but for the past couple of days I have been thinking about doing a caboose camping trailer as my second build. Gage maybe be reading this so I won't call it a teardrop. I know others on this site have proposed this idea but has anyone actually completed one?

My grandfather was a conductor for the Santa Fe railroad for many years before he retired. I thought it would be fun to try the idea.



Here are some ideas proposed in other threads or by other people:







My version would have to be small enough to get into the garage. The cupola (small windowed projection on the roof) would have to be able to be lowered and raised. This is to be able to store it in the garage but also cut down on drag while towing it. Does anyone have any ideas how this could be accomplished. It would be easy to seal when stored in the down position but I'm wondering how it would be sealed when raised to the fully up position. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Note: This is just an idea I had. We love the Little Swiss Teardrop and I doubt Cindi would ever let me sell it. I also have projects at home more pressing than another trailer, I think renovating the master closet is next on the list. Who knows if I will ever build another trailer but it's fun to think about it. And I do miss coming home after work and working on something like that.

[pete42]

I don't know what it is about "crummies" but there must be something wrong with you if you don't like a train caboose.

I too have thought about building one many years ago but a plain ol' CT is what I'm hopeing for.

As far as sealing the raised portion just look at a hi-lo trailer for ideas.

[starleen2]

Man - if you're thinkin' of build # 2 - then your're just a step away from buildin'

[Cliffmeister2000]

You might check out bdosborn's build



http://tnttt.com/album_ ... C&start=24

[bobhenry]

I am a second job away from doing an 8 x 20 on a big double axle trailer I have.

[Engineer Guy]

Gasketing materials that come to mind are those used around RV Slideouts. Materials used on the sides and bottoms of Home Garage Doors is another thought. Consider Gasketing used on Car Trunks and Doors.... I just used some, and the stout grey Insulation slipped onto Hot Water Pipes might be interesting. It's inexpensive and has good inherent density and 'spring back'.
Years ago, I used a neat 3M Door Seal in old Houses. You fold it into a 'v'. One side has peel-off adhesive. You stick that side to the Frame, and the Door compresses up against it when closed. Installed on a bit of Wood at the bottom of your Cupola, it would compress and seal when the Cupola is fully up.

For muscle-free lifting, consider the Motors and linear Screws used to raise and lower Bunk Beds in Toy Hauler Trailers.

A great design concept that will draw plenty of friendly Visitors...

[GPW]

It could be FUN !!!

[Dusty82]

The Burlington Northern caboose camper BobHenry posted a picture of above was sold on Craig's List earlier this year - I wanna say it was in St.Louis, but I may be wrong there. I wish I'd had the foresight to copy the ad - I'd repost it here.

That ad got me thinking about building a caboose trailer as well. I researched a bit and we decided that we liked the V&T Caboose #24 for a design. I then found this page:

http://www.nsrm-friends.org/nsrm84.html

It turns out the caboose is located at the Nevada State Railroad Museum just a few miles from our house. Come to find out, it was originally the Nevada Copper Belt caboose No. 3, and they've restored it to the original NCB #3 colors. I was all set to go to the museum and take as many pictures and measurements as I could, when my wife announced that she had changed her mind and wanted something she could stand up in. Oh well, such is life.

The local Kiwanis Club had a caboose built on a TT frame that they use in parades and such, and it's parked on a corner advertising a function of some sort right now. I'm going into town later today, and I'll try to stop by and take some pictures of it if you're interested.

[planovet]

The Burlington Northern caboose camper BobHenry posted a picture of above was sold on Craig's List earlier this year - I wanna say it was in St.Louis, but I may be wrong there. I wish I'd had the foresight to copy the ad - I'd repost it here.

I saw that also and I did not save any pictures either

The local Kiwanis Club had a caboose built on a TT frame that they use in parades and such, and it's parked on a corner advertising a function of some sort right now. I'm going into town later today, and I'll try to stop by and take some pictures of it if you're interested.

That would be great!

[aggie79]

Mark,

That would be a really cool build!

I don't know how they could be lifted, but a nested, three-box design could be very compact, fit in the garage easily and would not present much front surface for wind resistance.

The first two boxes would be the main portion of the caboose. The upper section (box) would fit over the bottom box.

The third box would be the roof extension. The front and rear panels of the roof extension box would have to be hinged or removable. The side panels and roof would nest over the upper box of the main area.

I wish I knew how to use a drawing or CAD program to better express what I am talking about.

Let the construction begin!

Tom

[planovet]

Thanks Tom. I think I understand what you are saying but I was wanting more of a box coming up from the center of the roof. It would be head room for the kitchen part.

Still thinking but I don't anticipate any building until at least next year.

I would love it to look like this;

[Ageless]

Instead of trying to seal the cupola, why not split the body, much like the Hi-Low trailer?

[Engineer Guy]

I've driven by this Parcel, and the set-back Caboose location [w/buried A.C. Service] is simply stunning:

http://www.homes.com/listing/photo/117687960/34381_Fruitland_Mesa_Road_CRAWFORD_CO_81415#photo

Needle Rock, referenced in the Ad and way behind the Caboose, is the center of an old Volcano right out of 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind'. Adjacent to the base of it lives one of our Cattle-raising Neighbors on Mad Dog Ranch:

http://www.cocker.com/us/home

Lots of 'dispersed' Camping opportunities on BLM Land all around, and the ground clearance requirements for a Trailer are very reasonable.

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/ggnca.html

[planovet]

Instead of trying to seal the cupola, why not split the body, much like the Hi-Low trailer?

That's an idea. I found this while searching, might be a viable option. Only thing is the cupola would still be up and would place drag while towing.

[starleen2]

Still thinking but I don't anticipate any building until at least next year.

Ya' Know "Next Year" is only a month 1/2 away?