Tangent Scale Models 60411-02 - ICC Rock Island Bay Window Caboose Rock Island (RI) 17204 - HO Scale

• Wheels: CNC-machined standard RP25 .110” tread 33” wheels
• DC/DCC Lighting Features: Interior Lights and Prototypical Red-Green Roof Tripod Marker Lights
• Era: 1971-1985

– Rock Island (RI) “Delivery 1971” w/ Red-Green Lights & Rockwell Trucks illustrates the final order of ten ICC cabooses delivered to Rock Island.  This group is most often noticed by RI (and later UP) modelers because of application of distinctive Rockwell “Express” trucks.  These trucks were being tested by railroads in this era and provided additional stability at high speed.  The prototype cabooses from this 1971 lot rode on these Rockwell trucks for their entire RI service lives.  The models are painted in the as-delivered red, yellow and black scheme but differs from the 1967 scheme we are offering because the ROCK ISLAND is spelled out with slanted “speed” lettering.  The silver roof is finished with a gorgeous red overspray pattern, duplicating the look of the cabooses when delivered from ICC Kenton.  This order has a slightly taller body than the 1966 and 1967 Rock Island orders.  Notice the extra vertical body space above the bay window.  The side corner sealed windows have changed to rounded aluminum frames, compared to earlier orders with gasketed windows.  The conductor’s desk window has an accurate framed sash/screened window, just like the prototype.  Each RI ICC order is distinctive, and Tangent does its homework to get these details correct!  These models feature all those interesting roof details, with the tripod marker lights, antenna and stand, roof vents and smokejack all present.  Notice the lack of a roof walkway – these cabooses were built this way since this feature had fallen out of favor with the RI and ICC by the 1971 build date.  The steps and end walkways on the model are beautiful Apex pattern etch metal.  The end railings are classic ICC style, with careful paint masking for RI.  RI used a very light gray/aluminum color for end railings and step edges.  Underneath, the model features a 1971 variation of the Waugh cushion underframe with complete brake gear and piping details.  The gravity dump toilet pipe is gone in this era, replaced with a closed, capped pipe for draining at the service points.  The1971 style battery box is there, properly located, along with accurate conduit piping and the axle generator pulley.  The model rides on Tangent’s All-New 50-Ton Rockwell Express Roller Bearing trucks with 33″ standard .110” tread CNC wheels.  For lighting, this Tangent RI model is equipped with prototypical red-green roof tripod lights and “golden” interior lights, mimicking the incandescent bulbs of the real cabooses.  A wand is included to operate the lights – easy with no fuss!  Extra parts are included to model the metal flag paddles/flag holders on the body corners.