Siding

Where the frame gives the caboose form, the siding gives it substance. The siding on the #001 was 'off the shelf' material produced at the mill. Two types of siding were used in the construction of the #001: narrow (3.5") beaded tongue and groove (T&G) and wide (5.5") beaded with v-groove in the center T&G. Both were 13/16" thick. Modern equivilent siding is only 11/16" thick, so the siding had to be made to order.

The narrow siding was used to cover the cupola sides. The wide siding was used for the body sides, ends, and cupola ends (as well as the interior walls.) We can only guess why this was done, but it may have been that the wide siding was not availalbe in lengths long enough to cover the cupola. And has been the case, there is a variation in how the siding was applied.

On the right side, A-end, the wide siding starts at the edge of the cupola and runs to the end of the body. This leaves a very narrow (less than 2") strip. The other three body sections have a narrow piece of siding between the cupola edge and the first wide piece. This leaves most of the last full piece intact. This variation is being recreated as it was a visable difference in construction technique.

The siding is being primered on the tongue and groove sides. This was done originally and is being replicated here, including the runs. Originally the walls were painted after the siding was installed. The inner surface of the siding is being primered before installation. The goal now is to get primer on all surfaces, especially where wood rests on wood. These wood on wood locations were hardest hit by rot and water damage.

This is the narrow, beaded T&G siding for the cupola sides.

This is the narrow, non-beaded T&G siding for the roof.

This is the wide, beaded with V-groove in the middle, T&G siding.

The cupola siding is being primered on the tongue and groove sides. The inner surface will be coated with dark green primer.

This siding has been primered on three side and is ready to be put on the caboose frame.

The cupola section has received the narrow siding. The first piece of body (wide) siding has been installed.

The right side, B-end has been sided. Note the piece of narrow siding between the cupola siding and the body siding.

The siding is progressing down the right side of the A-end. Note the lack of a narrow piece of siding between the cupola siding and the body siding.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

The right side of the caboose has been sided. The last two full length pieces will go on after the ends receive siding.

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