New York Central O Scale Premier Steel Caboose - Center Cupola

Like most pieces of railroad equipment, this caboose was shaped in part by regulatory requirements — in this case, a proposed Pennsylvania law requiring cabooses on through freights to be 8-wheeled and at least 24’ long. Based on a wood-sheathed 1920 USRA design, this steel caboose was a 1924 Reading Company design that became so widespread in the mid-Atlantic region that railfans dubbed it the Northeastern Caboose.

Besides the Reading, original owners included the Western Maryland, Lehigh Valley, Central Railroad of New Jersey and several other lines. Through mergers and acquisitions, these “crummies” eventually found themselves in new paint schemes ranging from Chessie System yellow to Conrail blue. Later in life, many went to second and third owners as far afield as Maine, Ohio, Iowa, and Louisiana.

MTH Premier O Scale freight cars are the perfect complement to any manufacturer’s scale proportioned O Gauge locomotives. Whether you prefer to purchase cars separately or assemble a unit train, MTH Premier Rolling Stock has the cars for you in a variety of car types and paint schemes.

Virtually every sturdy car is offered in two car numbers which makes it even easier than ever to combine them into a mult-car consist. Many of MTH’s Premier Rolling Stock offerings can also operate on the tightest O Gauge curves giving them even more added versatitlity to your layout.